LI  BR  AR  Y 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY   OF   CALIFORNIA. 


Received 
Accessions 


Shelf  No. 


•f- 


MY  ESCAPE 


FROM 


KING  ALCOHOL 


WITH 


TRIALS  AND  TRIUMPHS 

ON 

TEMPERANCE  TRAILS. 

BY 

GEORGE  M.  BUTCHER 

AND 

SAMUEL  S.  HALL 

(BUCKSKIN  SAM.) 


I  must  fight  King  Alcohol,  or  else  I  may  yet  die  a  drunkard." 


PUBLISHED  BY  SUBSCRIPTION. 


HARTFORD,  CONN. 

COLUMBIAN  BOOK  COMPANY. 

1878. 
^ 

OF  THE 

'TJNIVEESITY! 


ENTERED  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1878,  by 

COLUMBIAN  BOOK  COMPANY, 
In  the  office  of  Librarian  of^JongrBss  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


PREFACE. 

This  narrative  of  my  checkered  life  has  been  writ- 
ten at  the  suggestion  of  numerous  friends  in  the  Uni- 
ted States  and  British  Provinces.  They  have  assured 
me  that  my  sad  history,  if  made  public,  would  prove  a 
blessing  to  many  a  young  man  who,  taking  warning 
therefrom,  would  firmly  resolve  to  touch  not,  taste  not, 
handle  not,  the  intoxicating  glass. 

I  may  truly  account  myself  as  a  brand  plucked  from 
the  burning.  Many  long,  miserable  years  did  I  plod 
on  in  the  downward  road  to  ruin,  tossed  hither  and 
thither  like  a  wreck  on  the  dark,  tempestuous  sea  of 
Intemperance ;  at  times  a  penniless  stranger  in  strange 
cities — then  a  homeless  wanderer  on  the  earth ;  suffer- 
ing from  cold,  hunger,  and  insatiate  thirst,  and  encoun- 
tering many  dangers  while  under  the  influence  of 
strong  drink. 

My  final  redemption  from  the  awful  bondage  which 
rum  imposes  on  its  victims  came  at  last ;  and  with  it 
the  dawn  of  hope  and  happiness.  For  six  years  past 
I  have  labored  to  prevent  others  from  following  the 
path  which  I  once  walked  in. 

With  a  spirit  of  devotion  to  the  cause  of  Temper- 
ance and  Humanity,  and  feeling  more  than  thankful 
for  my  own  great  deliverance,  I  submit  this  book  to 
the  public,  trusting  that  the  banner  of  Temperance 
may  wave  between  its  many  imperfections  and  unkind 
criticism. 

G.  M.  D. 


CONTENTS  OF  PART  L 


CHAPTER    I. 

PAOB. 

My  Parents — Their  Children — My  Birth-place  and  Early  Days — 

Our  Log-Cabin  Home  by  the  Catskill  Mountains — A  Beautiful 
Retreat— Intemperate  Habits  of  My  Father— Turned  Out  by  the 
Sheriff — A  Sorrowful  Time — Incidents  of  my  Boyhood — My 
First  Earnings,  and  What  Became  of  Them — Comforted  by  My 
Mother — Schookdays  —  Ridiculed  by  the  Boys — Taunts  and 
Blows — A  Sister's  Protection — The  Sorrows  of  a  Drunkard's 
Son— Obliged  to  Leave  School 25 

CHAPTER    II. 

Working  on  a  Neighbor's  Farm — New  Acquaintances — How  We 
Passed  Our  Evenings — Cider,  Whiskey  and  Rum — Our  Sundays 
In  the  Barn — Where  Our  Neighbors  Hid  Their  Rum  Jugs — How 
We  Emptied  Them — Morning  Disappointments  of  the  Owners — 
My  Employer's  Prophecy — How  We  Went  to  the  Village  and 
How  We  Came  Back— Up  Hill  and  Down  Hill— "  Clear  the 
Track  "—The  Run-away  Horses—"  Considerably  Shook  Up  "  . .  32 

CHAPTER    III. 

My  New  Employer— Our  First  Breakfast— Treating  the  Baby- 
How  We  Began  Our  Day's  Work  by  Taking  a  Drink  and  a  Nap 
—Out  of  Whisky— I  Go  for  a  New  Supply— Portrait  of  "Doll" 
— Adventure  with  Village  Boys — "Doll"  Anchored — A  Com- 
promise — An  Old  Veteran —  How  I  Gladdened  Him 38 

CHAPTER    IV. 

Ploughing-Bees — Carrying  Around  the  Jug — Drunk  for  the  First 
Time — How  I  Bridled  the  Horse — A  Saturday  Night  Excursion— 
The  Start— A  Sad  Story— The  Hasty  Blow— Flight  of  the  Frati- 
cide — On  the  Refugee's  Trail — A  Terrible  Picture — Spearing 
Eels — Wet,  but  Dry — Winding  Up  of  the  Spree — A  Ruined 
Home — The  Jolly  Landlord — Years  afterwards 61 


CONTENTS.  ix 

CHAPTER    V. 

Twelve  Years  Old — My  Father  Stops  Drinking  for  a  Season — A 
Happy  Winter  at  Home — Chopping  Wood  with  Father — Our 
Dinners  in  the  Woods — Pleasant  Evenings  by  the  Fireside — En- 
gage as  a  Bark-peeler — A  Forty  Mile  Walk — An  Evening  in  a 
Country  Tavern — New  Acquaintances — A  Festive  Occasion — 
Start  for  the  Woods— A  Motley  Crew— The  Forest  Primeval— 
The  Bark-peeler's  Camp — Building  a  Lodge  in  the  Wilderness — 
Lackawascow  Valley — Sundays  in  the  Forest — The  Old  Woman's 
Rum  Shanty — Bad  Habits  on  the  Increase — Unable  to  Stand 
the  Hard  Work — Iii  a  Demoralized  Condition — Out  of  the 
Woods 68 

CHAPTER    VI. 

Bound  for  Home — Sights  on  the  Road — The  Old  House  by  the 
Woods— A  Free  Fight— End  of  the  Battle— My  Thoughtful 
Host — "  Dash  Down  the  Cup  " — Invited  to  Ride — The  Generous 
Scotchman — How  to  Travel  Without  Money  —  A  Wonderful 
Transformation — Putting  on  Airs 64 

CHAPTER    VII. 

Home  Again — Haying — A  Long  Illness — Encounter  with  a  Scamp 
—A  Critical  Case — Winter — The  Associations  of  my  Youth — 
Wasted  Hours— A  Short  Sermon— Self  Made  Men 70 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

Visit  to  the  Village— My  Father's  Friends— The  Deacon— The 
Squire — The  Lawyer — The  Politician — The  Farmer — The  Horse 
Jockey— Loafers  in  General— All  Willing  to  be  Treated— Town 
Meeting  Days— The  Village  Hotels— Fate  of  the  Rumsellers— A 
Remarkable  Circumstance 74 

CHAPTER    IX. 

Intoxicated  by  Cider— How  I  Got  In  at  the  Window— A  Revival 
of  Religion— My  Old  Employer  in  Meeting—"  Go  It  Dolly  "— 
The  Discomfited  Minister — My  Mother's  Example — Impressive 
Scenes — At  the  Altar — From  Darkness  Unto  Light— A  Great 
Blessing  to  the  Neighborhood 80 


x  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    X. 

Backsliding— An  Accident  and  the  Consequences—A  Fourth  of 
July  in  a  Country  Village— Good-Bye  to  Home— Experiences  at 
Albany— Buying  a  Hat— Brother  Jonathan  Outdone— On  the" 
Cars— An  Excitable  Old  Gentleman— Arrival  at  Rome— I  Steal 
My  Own  Trunk— An  Explanation— Treating  the  Crowd— A  Pair 
of  Lovers— The  Stage-Ride—Arrival  at  My  Uncle's— Attempt 
to  Frighten  Him— His  Welcome— A  Job  Sawing  Logs— Cheated 

and  Discouraged— In  Disgrace— Return  Home 91 

CHAPTER    XI. 

Removal— A  Severe  Winter— Driving  Team— Spring— A  Tramp  in- 
to the  Country— Looking  for  Work— On  the  Road— Looking  for 
Lodgings—"  We  Don't  Keep  Beggars  "—Hospitality  at  Last- 
Out  of  Money— I  Sleep  in  a  Barn— Arrival  at  Fort  Brewerton— 
A  Free  Passage  On  Steamboat— Treated  by  the  Engineer— Arri- 
val at  Home 98 

CHAPTER    XII. 

On  the  Wing— Adventure  at  Syracuse— "  A  Pretty  Good  Fellow" 
At  Buffalo— A  Prey  to  Hotel-Runners— At  the  Forest  City- 
Make  an  Acquaintance— I  Visit  My  Sister— Become  a  Carpenter 
—The  Whistling  Irishman— Discontented 105 

CHAPTER    XIII. 

In  a  Country  Store — My  Employer — Our  German  Customers — I 
Take  Lessons  in  Dutch— Lively  Times— A  Glass  on  the  Sly— An 
Excursion— Dinner  at  the  Hotel— Fun  at  My  Expense— Attend  a 
Ball— A  Mistake  Corrected— Invited  to  Study  Medicine— A  Dis- 
appointment—Adrift— A  Deck  Hand— At  Chicago 118 

CHAPTER     XIV. 

On  the  Pier— My  Friend  Dennis— In  a  Bar-Room—Chicago  River 
Bummers  and  Dead  Beats — Spoiling  for  a  Fight — "  Stranger, 
We'll  Drink  With  You  "  —  On  the  Lake  Steamer  —  Working 
My  Passage — An  Eccentric  Captain— A  Gale  on  Lake  Erie — An 
Accident — A  New  Acquaintance — Arrival  at  Buffalo — My  Mus- 
cular Friend — Too  much  for  Hacky — An  Astonished  Thief— At 
Albany — Visit  My  Relatives — A  Long  Illness — At  Home  Again 
—The  Glass-Blowers. .  .126 


CONTENTS.  XI 

CHAPTER    XV. 

A  New  Start— A  Wayside  Tavern— The  Hilarious  Landlord— Phre- 
nology—A  Rough  Specimen— Untitled  Heroes— In  the  Snow- 
Drifts— The  Canal  Grocery  in  Winter— A  Swearing  Community 
—"Wake  Up  Tim  "—On  the  Tow  Path— Rest  at  Our  Inn 134 

CHAPTER    XVI. 

Among  Strangers — I  Peddle  Essences — On  the  Road — At  a  Coun- 
try Tavern — A  Drink  and  the  Consequences — A  Friendly  Strife 
—All  Night  in  a  Bar-Room— The  Midnight  Parley— An  Indian's 
Victory — Dead  Drunk — Return  to  Consciousness — My  Compan- 
ions of  a  Night— Renewal  of  Hostilities— I  Surrender  the  Field  140 

CHAPTER    XVII. 

Effects  of  the  Spree — Sufferings  from  Thirst — New  Enterprises — 
A  Trip  to  the  Lumber  Regions — At  the  Checkered  Tavern — 
Denizens  of  the  Bar-Room — An  Old  Story — Immense  Snow- 
Drifts— A  Village  in  the  Woods— A  Blood-Thirsty  Set— Return 
Home 149 

CHAPTER    XVIII. 

Looking  For  Business— A  Ride  with  an  Editor— A  Bargain  Struck 
Up— I  Enter  His  Employ— Tempted— The  Fatal  Demijohn— On 
a  Spree— Sober  Again — My  Newspaper  Enterprise  at  Syracuse 
—The  Central  Advertiser— Pursued  By  My  Old  Enemy— Fallen 
— "  Where  Am  I  ?  "—Rats— Striking  a  Light— Robbed— Locked 
Into  a  Cellars-Escape — Row  in  a  Grog  Shop — Ruined  Finan- 
cially— Meditate  Suicide — Disgraced  and  Discouraged — Fate  of 
a  Companion  of  An  Hour 169 

CHAPTER    XIX. 

Visit  Philadelphia— The  Scotch  Baker— In  New  York  City— Look- 
ing For  Work— Disappointed  Young  Men— A  Sad  Incident— In 
a  Bad  Way — Longing  for  Rum — Power  of  Kindness — Resolves 
to  Reform — Temptations  Resisted — Work  Obtained  at  Last — 
My  Improved  Appearance— Woman's  Influence  —  Saved  by  a 
Song 160 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XX. 

A  New  Occupation — A  Traveling  Salesman — News  from  Fort 
Sumpter— The  Rally  Around  the  Flag — Great  Excitement — Visit 
New  York  To  See  Major  Anderson — My  First  Appaaranee  As  a 
Public  Speaker — Volunteers — I  Enlist  a  Company — Hard  Drink- 
ing, and  the  Results — A  Long  Illness — Left  Behind — Up  the 
Hudson — An  Old  Acquaintance — Our  Spree  at  Albany — My 

Five  Gallon  Keg,  and  How  We  Emptied  It 179 

CHAPTER    XXI. 

The  Friendly  Bar-Tender— Arrival  at  Home— Plenty  of  Cash  and 
Rum — My  Parents  Expostulate — A  Specimen  of  Navigation — 
Two  Days  In  a  Rum-Shop — Start  To  Walk  Home— A  Nap  By 
the  Wayside — On  the  Borders  of  Delirium  Tremens — A  Haunt- 
ed Road — Attacked  by  a  Copperhead  Snake — Dreadful  Sufferings 
— Drinking  Off  the  Horrors — Delirium  Tremens — The  Reaction  187 
CHAPTER  XXII. 

An  Unexpected  Caller — Arrested — Sorrow  of  My  Parents — In  Jail 
—My  Cellmate,  "Jockey  Jim"— Equine  Propensity  —  Three 
Weeks  Amusements — Our  "Poems  " — Tried  and  Acquitted — A 
Man  in  the  Snow— In  New  York— Experiences  in  a  Gambling 
House— Fighting  the  Tiger— Enlisted— Discharged— Dead  Beat 

—Brutally  Assaulted  at  a  Hotel— A  Free  Pass  to  Albany 194 

CHAPTER    XXIII. 

Adventures  at  Peekskill — A  Hatless  Vagabond — Nearly  Frozen — 
On  the  Frieght  Train— At  Poughkeepsie— The  Kind  Brakeman 
and  His  Wife — A  Benevolent  Society  of  Drinking  Men— Making 
Ploughs — Pulling  Hop  Poles — Carpentering — A  Victim  of  Delir- 
ium Tremens— A  Drunkard's  Epitaph— Adrift  in  Mid-winter— 
Hay-Mow  Experiences — A  Night  in  a  Boiler  Room — At  Troy — 

Kind  Policeman— Drugged  and  Enlisted— Camp  Wool 203 

CHAPTER    XXIV. 

Unfit  for  Service — Discharged — In  Worcester — Ten  Cents  Left — 
The  Hospitable  Irishman — Looking  for  Work — A  Blue  Sunday 
My  False  Friend  —  Befriended—  Generous  Deed  —  Work  Ob- 
tained— Buying  Rum  Instead  of  Shoes — A  Long  Carousal — Un- 
der the  Cart  Wheels— In  the  Lower  Depths— True  Friends— At 
Work  Again — An  Astonished  Inebriate — Again  Fallen 213 


CONTENTS.  Xlll 

CHAPTER    XXV. 

At  Springfield— Out  Of  Funds— Try  to  Sell  My  Vest— A  Kind 
Offer  of  Work — Employment  As  a  Joiner — Abstinence  From 
Liquor — A  Sunday's  Ride  to  Suffield,  and  the  Result — A  Pro- 
longed Spree— Turn  Up  in  New  York— Start  To  Walk  to  Spring- 
field—" Afoot  and  Alone  "—Fall  From  a  Bridge— In  the  Ditch 
—A  Light  In  the  Window— A  Kind  Old  Lady— Her  Wandering 
Vagabond  Boy— A  Good  Cry— A  Night  On  the  Railroad  Track- 
On  the  Bridge— A  Fearful  Adventure— Sell  My  Coat,  and  Take 
Cars  for  Springfield 221 

CHAPTER    XXVI. 

Carousals  at  Springfield — In  the  Saloon — Three  Days  a  Raving 
Maniac — Return  to  Consciousness—A  Fearful  Ordeal — The  Hor- 
rors of  Delirium  Tremens — Dreadful  Sufferings — A  Debt  of 
Gratitude — Become  a  Book  Agent — A  Friendly  Glass,  and  the 
Consequences — Delirium  at  Fitchburg— Wanderings  Afoot— A 
Night  in  a  Swamp — Tempted  to  Suicide— A  Memorable  Night- 
Teddy  O'Neil — Befriended  by  a  Blacksmith— Travels  Resumed 
Reach  My  Father's  House — My  Mother's  Request — My  Solemn 
Promise 234 

CHAPTER    XXVII. 

Resolve  to  Tell  My  Experiences — Saturday   Night  at  Pittstown- 
Interview  With  a  Clergyman — Discouraging  Advice — Interview 
With  Rev.  Mr.  Creag — My  First  Talk  at  a  Temperance  Meeting 
— Speak  at  Stockport,  Stuyvesant  Falls,  and  Other  Towns — Inci- 
dents of  the  Meetings — "  Cold  Monday  "—Rev.  Mr.  Mead 239 

CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

Go  to  Worcester — Assisted  by  Mrs.  John  B.  Gough — Cordially 
Greeted  by  Temperance  Men — Join  The  Sons  of  Temperance — 
Visit  Old  Bay  State  Division— Meeting  at  Mechanics  Hall— Calls 
to  Speak  in  Various  Places— Visit  Maine— A  "  Little  Fellow  " 
Among  Giants — Speak  Before  the  Legislature — At  Lewiston, 
Bangor,  &c.— At  Brookline,  N.  H.— Rev.  George  Eaton 248 


XIV  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER    XXIX. 

Lecture  in  Rhode  Island— Join  the  Olive  Branch  Temple  of  Honor 
—Invited  to  New  York  City— A  Tour  Up  the  Hudson— Go  to 
Pennsylvania — At  Harrisburg — Interview  with  Gov.  Geary — 
Speak  before  the  Methodist  Conference — Bishop  Scott — Rev. 
Mr.  Tasker — Hon.  James  Black — Reading — Lancaster — Speak 
in  the  College — At  Philadelphia — Incidents — An  Unfortunate 
Young  Lady — I  Am  Victimized  by  One  of  the  Fair  Sex — "  Her 
Level  Best." 254 

CHAPTER    XXX. 

Visit  Wendell  Phillips— Franklin  Whipple— The  Sons  of  Temper- 
ance — Plymouth  Rock — Tour  Through  New  Jersey — At  Siloam 
Church,  Philadelphia — A  Queer  Freak — Three  Days  with  a  Hard 
Drinker — How  He  Kept  His  Promise — Engagement  in  Western 
New  York — Col.  Redington — J.  A.  Shaw — Incidents  in  Buffalo 
. — A  Conscientious  Rumseller — A  Visit  to  My  Parents — My  Fath- 
er's Question—"  That  Don't  Sound  Well  "—We  All  Sign  the 
Pledge— A  Joyful  Time— The  Praying  Band—"  How  Wonder- 
ful Are  Thy  Ways,  0  Lord  ! " — Temperance  Revival  at  Pough- 
keepsie — Visit  Ohio — My  Labors  in  Michigan 265 

CHAPTER    XXXI. 

Invited  to  Barre,  Mass. — Hon.  George  M.  Buttrick— At  Nyackand 
Other  Places — In  New  Jersey — A  Tour  Through  Vermont — At 
.  St.  Johnsbury,  St.  Albans,  &c. — Fairbank's  Scale  Manufactory — 
Visit  New  Hampshire — In  Washington  County — A  Southern 
Lecturing  Trip — At  the  Capital — In  Delaware — At  Trenton,  N. 
J. — Visit  to  the  British  Provinces — At  St.  Johns,  New  Bruns- 
wick— Interesting  Incidents — Tour  Through  Connecticut — Re- 
visit New  Brunswick — In  Berkshire  County — At  Lee,  Mass. — 
Recent  Labors  in  Connecticut  and  Other  Places — Ayre  in  Ruins 
— My  Great  Indebtedness  to  the  Clergymen  of  America,  and  to 
Others — Summary  of  My  Labors — Determination  to  Persevere 
— Conclusion  . .  276 


CONTENTS  OF  PAKT  II. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Old-time  Reminiscences — A  protracted  Spree — A  Night  in  a 
Graveyard— New  Resolutions— Roanrings  in  Texas  and  the 
Sioux  Country— Return  to  Leominster— An  old  Acquaint- 
ance— Mrs.  Dutcher  and  the  Children — Buena  Vista  Cottage 
and  its  Surroundings  —  The  Hall  Homestead — "  Gran'Pa 
Hall's" 284 

CHAPTER  II. 

In  the  Susquehanna  Valley — Local  Option — The  Rumseller's 
Prayer — Mollie  Maguires— Among  the  Miners— Almost  an 
Accident— An  only  Child  Saved — The  Ruined  Professor — 
A  Contrast— Tour  through  Northern  New  York— A  Noble 
Sentiment 293 

CHAPTER,  III. 

Labors  in  Massachusetts — Reminiscerises  of  Hon.  Henry  Wil- 
son—Edward H.  Uniack — A  lawful  Business — A  Trip  out 
West — Travels  in  various  Sections — A  sacred  Obligation — 
At  Richmond,  Va  — A  Tour  through  North  Carolina— The 
Good  Templars 303 

CHAPTER  IV. 

In  New  Jersey  and  New  York — A  demoralized  Bottle — Adven- 
tures in  a  Rum  Shop — Pleasing  Results— Centennial  Re- 
formers— Work  in  Ohio— A  Wife's  Request — **  No  Hope  for 
Me" — Contrition  and  Thankfulness 309 

CHAPTER  V. 

In  the  National  Capital— Homeward  Bound — A  hasty  Impulse 
—Major  Wells — Wilmington  and  the  Wilmington  Revival — 
Pathetic  Incidents — The  common  Enemy — A  sympathetic 
Audience — Almost  a  Panic— A  Temperance  Gala  Day 318 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Captain  Burrell — A  Sea  Voyage — Yarmouth — Enthusiastic  Re- 
ception— A  grand  Picnic — Lakes  George  and  Milo— Farewell 
to  Nova  Scotia— The  Great  Tent— Poetry  of  the  Reform— 
"The  Ranting  Dutcher  Fever " — Bridgets  Lament 326 

CHAPTER  VII. 

The  Wilmington  Reform  Club—"  Does  It  Pay?  "—Col.  Moore's 
Letter — A  munificent  Testimonial  to  Mr.  Dutcher  Contem- 
plated—Building of  the  Dutcher  House  Begun 331 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Acadia  Revisited — The  Yarmouth  Reformers — A  Tour  through 
the  Provinces — Great  Enthusiasm — Incidents  by  the  Way — 
At  Digby,  Plymouth,  Chatham,  etc.— Wonderful  Results— 
"Is  not  this  the  work  of  God?" — Annapolis  Royal— Great 
Commotion  in  the  Ancient  Capital — A  magnificent  Turn-out 
—"Dutcher  Came  like  Molus  "— A  Midnight  Farewell- 
Thirty  Thousand  Dutcher  Reformers 340 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Removal  of  the  "Tribe  of  George" — A  bewildered  Scout — 
"Buckskin  Sam"  in  Trouble — Reception  of  the  Dutcher 
Family  at  Wilmington — Description  of  the  "  Dutcher  Home  "  344 

CHAPTER  X 

Temperance  Work  in  Washington— A  Memorial  to  Congress — 
A  Mother's  Death— Retrospective— What  Mr.  Dutcher  Advo- 
cates— Prohibitory  Laws — No  Compromise  with  Rum  or  Rum- 
sellers— Work  for  the  Future...,  ..  351 


TJNIVEESIT7 


CHAPTER  I. 

FHE  beautiful  village  of  Waterford,  approxi- 
mating the  city  of  Troy  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  was  the  birth-place  of  my  father.  He 
was  a  descendant  of  one  of  three  brothers  who 
came  from  Holland  and  settled  near  New  York  city. 
My  mother  was  born  on  a  picturesque  island  thirty-five 
miles  below  Albany,  around  which  circle  the  silvery 
waters  of  the  noble  Hudson.  Her  father  was  from 
England,  and  her  mother  from  Scotland. 

My  father  and  mother  were  married  about  the  year 
1835,  and  first  settled  in  Columbia  County,  State  of 
New  York.  They,  however,  soon  after  emigrated  to 
Greene  County  in  the  same  State,  and  three  children 
were  the  fruits  of  their  marriage.  One  of  them,  a  lit- 
tle brother,  died  when  two  years  of  age,  but  my  sister 
is  still  living  and  is  the  mother  of  quite  a  large  fam- 

fly. 

My  father  was  a  poor  man,  and  his  little  family  were 
dependent  upon  his  labor  for  their  daily  bread,  but  by 
the  help  of  a  kind  mother  might  have  been  made  com- 
fortable, had  it  not  been  for  the  intemperate  habits  of 


18  MY  MIRTR  AND  PARENT  A  QK 

my  father,  which  crushed  and  blighted  every  prospect 
in  life,  as  he  bowed  his  manly  form  to  the  killing  cup. 
Because  he  was  thus  intemperate  he  could  not  live  in 
as  comfortable  a  house  as  the  more  wealthy  neighbors 
around  him,  but  was  obliged  to  occupy  a  log  cabin, 
where,  with  his  little  family,  he  eked  out  a  miserable 
existence  from  day  to  day ;  and  in  this  humble  home, 
situated  on  a  small  stream,  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Catskill  mountains  in  the  town  of  Cairo,  not  many 
miles  from  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  on  the  twenty 
third  day  of  June  A.  D.  1839, 1  first  saw  the  light  of 
day.  . 

I  was  said  to  be  anything  but  a  prepossessing  child,  but 
being  nourished  upon  a  fond  mother's  bosom,  I  became 
in  a  little  while  what  mothers  term  a  bouncing  boy. 
The  first  thing  that  I  remember  was  my  standing  in 
the  door,  feeding  a  speckled  hen  with  corn. 

Shortly  after  this  my  father  moved  into  another  log 
house,  and  purchased  a  small  piece  of  land  about  five 
miles  from  my  birth-place ;  and,  it  being  sparsely  set- 
tled in  that  section,  we  were  located  some  distance 
from  any  neighbors.  In  the  winter  season  we  were 
frequently  blockaded  by  the  deep  snows  which  pre- 
vail in  that  section  of  the  country,  and  I  can  well  rec- 
ollect the  gladness  with  which  we  hailed  the  sight  of 
any  persons  (they  were  usually  hunters)  who,  perchance, 
wandered  into  that  unfrequented  region. 

During  the  summer  season,  however,  our's  was  a 
beautiful  and  picturesque  retreat,  and  my  mother,  my 
sister  and  myself  would  frequently  take  our  pails,  and 
travel  up  the  side  of  the  mountain  to  pluck  the  juicy 


0  UR  MO  UNTAIN  HOME.  19 

blackberries  which  grew  by  the  path,  or  watch  the  lit- 
tle honey-bee  as  he  sipped  the  sweet  nectar  from  the 
rose  and  then  hied  away  to  his  mountain  home  to 
deposit  his  precious  burden,  and  lay  by  his  winter 
store  of  sweet  food. 

It  was  in  rambles  like  these  that  I  first  acquired  my 
fondness  for  the  beauties  of  Nature,  which  have  taught 
me  new  truths,  and  led  me  to  look  with  wondrous  awe 
from  Nature  up  to  Nature's  God. 

The  scenery  around  us  during  the  summer  months 
was  charming  in  the  extreme.  The  towering  heads 
of  the  Catskill  mountains  reaching  up  to  the  clouds, 
covered  with  thick  foliage  and  tinted  with  every  color 
of  the  rainbow,  presented  a  scene  sublimely  grand, 
which  neither  the  eloquent  pen  of  the  poet,  nor  the 
skillful  hand  of  the  accomplished  artist  possesses  the 
power  to  truthfully  portray.  Far  below,  in  the  valley, 
were  seen  fields  of  golden  grain  waving  in  the  sun- 
beams, while  here  and  there  the  neat  white  cottages 
of  the  inhabitants  dotted  the  landscape,  and  the  voice 
of  the  husbandman  echoed  and  re-echoed  up  the  mount- 
ain side,  as  he  trudged  behind  his  plough  while  turn- 
ing over  the  smooth  yellow  clay,  preparing  for  his  next 
year's  crop ;  and,  mingled  with  the  song  of  the  milk- 
maid was  heard  the  roar  of  the  cataract,  as  it  coursed 
its  way  to  mingle  with  the  tide  of  the  far-famed  Hud- 
son, and  with  its  cerulean  waters  roll  on  to  the  dark 
blue  sea. 

But  this  charming  mountain  home  was  not  to  be 
ours  for  any  great  length  of  time,  for  my  father  was 
unable  to  pay  the  price  demanded  for  the  land,  or  a 


20  TURNED  OUT  BY  THE  SHERIFF. 

clear  title  could  not  be  obtained,  and  we  were  turned, 
without  money,  from  the  humble  cottage  which,  though 
poor  as  it  was,  had  endeared  itself  to  our  hearts  ;  and, 
though  then  very  small,  I  can  well  recollect  when  the 
sheriff  came  and  took  even  the  crane  which  hung  in 
the  old-fashioned  fire-place,  around  which  my  mother 
had  prepared  for  us  many  a  simple  meal. 

I  can  remember  how  sad  we  all  felt  as  we  left 
that  lowly  spot,  which  was  the  only  place  we  had  ever 
yet  called  our  own,  and  the  tears  flowed  thick  and  fast 
down  my  mother's  and  sister's  cheeks,  as  well  as  my 
own,  and  even  father's  lips  quivered  and  his  bosom 
heaved ;  for  we  all  cherished  a  deep  and  fond  affection 
for  our  indigent  yet  romantic  mountain  home.  Not 
more  sorrowful  is  the  emigrant,  leaving  his  native 
land  around  which  all  his  fond  affections  cluster,  to 
soek  a  home  in  the  new  world,  where  no  friend  greets 
him  and  no  familiar  face  meets  his  gaze  as  he  steps 
upon  the  shore,  than  were  we,  as  we  packed  up 
the  few  little  articles  of  household  furniture  which 
constituted  all  our  earthly  possessions,  and  with  sad 
and  heavy  hearts  wended  our  way  along  the  old  famil- 
iar path  by  the  edge  of  the  orchard — the  name  which 
we  gave  a  few  scattered  trees  under  whose  branches 
my  sister  and  myself  had  often  gathered  sweet  ripe 
fruit  in  autumn — to  the  main  road,  which  led  down  to 
the  valley  below,  and  passed  onward  to  seek  a  home  in 
some  secluded  spot,  we  knew  not  where. 

This  was  a  discouraging  time  for  my  father,  and  to 
banish  the  thoughts  of  sorrow  and  care  he  began  to 
drink  deeply,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  years  of  sorrow 


A  DISCOURAGED  FATHER.  21 

for  himself  and  family.  Oh  !  if  this  book  should  fall 
into  the  hands  of  a  father  who  has  a  little  family  de- 
pending upon  him  for  support,  and,  to  drive  away  the 
cares  of  a  laborious  life,  he  is  resorting  to  the  madden- 
ing bowl,  expecting  to  gain  consolation  thereby,  let  me 
warn  him  that  he  is  only  adding  fuel  to  the  flame  which 
in  time  will  consume  his  body,  and  send  his  never-dying 
soul,  unprepared,  to  stand  condemned  in  the  presence 
of  the  Living  God. 

And  if  there  is  a  father  who  has  just  began  to  tamper 
with  the  wine  cup  when  in  the  company  of  the  gay 
and  thoughtless,  or  who  has  placed  it  on  his  own  table 
in  his  happy  home — oh  !  stop  and  consider  before  you 
farther  go ;  for  the  Word  of  God  declares,  "  that  wine 
is  a  mocker ;  that  at  the  last  it  will  bite  like  a  serpent, 
and  sting  like  an  adder,  while  he  who  is  deceived  there- 
by is  not  wise." 

We  found  a  little  house  into  which  we  moved,  and 
began  housekeeping  in  as  comfortable  a  manner  as  our 
poor  circumstances  would  allow.  We  all  then  began 
to  look  around  us  for  something  to  do  to  furnish  us 
with  bread.  My  father  resorted  to  chopping  wood  and 
burning  coal  some  distance  from  our  home,-  while  my 
mother  earned  what  she  was  able  to  by  working  for 
our  neighbors,  and  my  sister  and  myself  would  pick 
berries,  or  gather  old  wood  in  the  forest  near  us  with 
which  to  cook  our  humble  meals,  or  catch  fish  in  the 
brook,  to  give  my  mother  a  good  meal  when  she  returned 
from  a  hard  day's  labor. 

We  soon  began  to  find  that  the  intemperate  habits 
of  my  father  increased,  and  the  money  which  should 


22  AN  INCIDENT  OF  MY  BOYHOOD. 

have  contributed  to  furnish  us  with  the  comforts  of 
life,  found  its  way  into  the  rumseller's  till.  He  would 
be  gone  for  weeks  at  a  time,  squandering  his  hard  earn- 
ings, and  leaving  his  family  in  suffering  and  want.  I 
recollect  his  once  going  away  on  a  winter's  day  with 
a  dollar  and  a  half,  to  purchase  us  something  to  eat, 
leaving  nothing  in  the  house  but  a  small  quantity  of 
buckwheat  flour  and  a  few  dried  apples,  promising  to 
return  that  same  night.  But  he  did  not  return  for 
many  days,  during  which  time  we  had  nothing  to  sustain 
life  but  the  flour  and  the  dried  apples  ;  and  hour  after 
hour,  and  day  after  day,  we  stood  looking  out  of  the 
little  narrow  window  down  the  unbroken  path,  hoping 
to  catch  a  glimpse  of  him  bringing  something  to  make 
us  comfortable ;  but  he  came  not  until  ten  days  had 
passed  away,  and  we  were  all  in  bed  when  he  rapped 
at  the  door. 

When  he  entered,  he  set  down  a  basket  filled  with  a 
few.  salt  fish,  and  commanded  my  mother  to  get  up  and 
cook  some  ;  but  for  the  want  of  nourishing  food  she  had 
become  so  weak  she  could  scarcely  stand,  while  my  sis- 
ter and  myself  were  so  reduced  we  could  hardly  get  from 
the  bed  to  the  table. 

I  give  this  incident,  which  was  no  uncommon  one  in 
our  family  in  the  days  of  my  early  boyhood,  as  illus- 
trative of  the  sufferings  we  endured  because  my  father 
was  intemperate  ;  and  it  is  but  a  fac-simile  of  the  condi- 
.tion  of  many  thousands  of  families  in  our  broad  land, 
who,  like  Lacoon  of  old,  are  wound  up.  in  the  coils  of 
this  terrible  habit — a  condition  which  calls  in  thunder 
tones  for  the  statesman  and  politician,  the  moralist,  the 


J/I"  FIRST  EARNINGS.  23 

philanthropist,  and  the  Christian,  to  rally  around  the 
standard  of  Temperance  and  roll  back  the  mighty  tide 
of  evil  which  is  sweeping  over  our  land. 

The  following  year — having  become  a  boy  of  eight 
or  nine  years  of  age — I  began  to  look  about  me  for 
something  to  do,  to  render  my  mother  substantial  aid 
and  furnish  myself  with  some  necessary  clothing,  and, 
small  as  I  was,  undertook  to  cut  down  two  acres  of 
bushes  for  our  nearest  neighbor,  for  which,  when  fin- 
ished, I  was  to  receive  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents. 

I  commenced  my  labor  with  a  stout  heart  and  willing 
hand,  happy  in  the  thought  that  I  was  doing  something 
towards  being  useful,  and  I  toiled  hard  from  morning 
until  night  for  three  weeks.  My  hands  were  blistered, 
and  my  feet  were  torn  by  the  briars  and  bushes ;  and, 
cold  setting  in  my  blistered  hands  I  nearly  lost  the  use 
of  one  of  them. 

But  I  persevered  and  finished  the  job,  and  after  my 
hand  had  become  well  I  called  upon  the  man  for  my 
dollar  and  a  half;  but  he  almost  broke  my  heart  by  tell- 
ing me  he  had  paid  my  father,  and  with  tears  in  my 
eyes  I  returned  to  my  mother  and  laid  my  sorrows  at 
her  feet ;  and  I  can  well  recollect  how  she  placed  her 
cool  hand  on  my  burning  forehead  and  wiped  the  tears 
from  my  cheek,  saying — 

"  Never  mind,  my  son  ;  you  will  be  a  man  one  of 
these  days,  and  then  no  one  can  take  your  hard  earn- 
ings." 

Having  learned  to  read  a  little  from  pieces  of  news- 
papers and  a  few  dilapidated  old  books  that  were  about 
the  house,  it  was  thought  best  that  I  should  be  sent  to 


24  M Y  SCHO  OL  DA  YS. 

school,  and  my  sister  and  myself,  being  clothed  as  well 
as  our  poverty  would  permit,  trudged  off  the  distance 
of  three  miles  to  what  was  then — and  now  is — called 
the  old  Dutcher  School-house. 

Nearly  the  first  thing  which  greeted  my  ears  on 
meeting  the  school-boys  were  these  terrible  words,  and 
they  sank  deep  down  into  my  heart — 

"  Your  father  is  a  drunkard" 

"  You  are  the  son  of  a  drunkard." 

"  You  have  got  no  shoes." 

"  Your  pants  are  patched." 

"  Your  hat  is  not  as  good  as  mine" 

"  Your  coat  is  ragged." 

"  You  have  nothing  ~but  rye  bread  and  no  butter  to 
eat"  and  many  other  taunts  which  I  could  have  borne, 
and  found  consolation  in  the  silent  tear  as  it  often,  un- 
noticed by  them,  trickled  down  my  boyish  cheek.  But 
they  were  not  satisfied  with  this,  and  frequently  resorted 
to  blows ;  and  I  recollect  at  one  time  a  large  stone  was 
thrown  at  me  by  one  of  the  boys,  which  struck  me  on 
the  temple,  and  laid  me  senseless  on  the  ground.  My 
sister,  two  years  older  than  myself,  would  often  jump 
between  me  and  the  club  which  was  raised  by  some  of 
the  large  boys  to  strike  me,  and  for  her  sake  they  would 
sometimes  desist.  Whenever  I  went  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, the  boys  took  the  opportunity  to  call  me  hard 
names,  or  set  their  dog  upon  me,  or  throw  me  down 
upon  the  hard  ground ;  and  these  were  always  the  sons 
of  those  who  owned  a  few  acres  of  land,  and  were  mem- 
bers of  the  church ;  and  when  I  told  one  of  them  that 
his  son  had  abused  me  shamefully,  in  the  meanness  of 


THE  SON  OF  A  DRUNKARD.  25 

* 

hlb  heart  he  laughed  me  to  scorn,  and,  boy  as  I  was, 
this  almost  drove  me  to  desperation. 

All  this  torture  and  misery  I  suffered  because  my 
father  was  a  drunkard.  When  I  see  an  intemperate 
man,  at  the  present  time,  the  question  often  arises  in 
my  mind,  Has  he  a  little  son  ?  and,  Is  he  suffering  as 
I  have  suffered  ?  If  so,  could  he  but  know  the  feelings 
of  his  boy,  I  know  he  would  dash  to  the  ground, 
.that  cup  which  has  so  long  stifled  his  parental  feelings 
and  robbed  him  of  the  spirit  of  manhood  ;  while,  rais- 
ing his  trembling  hands  and  streaming  eyes  to  Heaven, 
he  would  exclaim,  "  O  God,  give  me  strength  to  resist 
this  terrible  appetite.  Save,  O  save,  my  boy  from  be- 
ing cursed  by  a  drunken  father." 

It  was  impossible  for  me  to  attend  school  and  endure 
the  abuse  that  I  then  received,  scorching  my  young 
spirit,  as  the  burning  volcanic  lava  blights  the  young 
sapling  which  stands  in  its  fiery  pathway  along  the 
mountain  side ;  or  as  the  burning  winds  of  Sahara  with- 
ers the  tender  plant- 
So  I  went  to  my  father,  and  disclosed  to  him  my 
many  sorrows,  and  I  doubt  not  his  heart  was  touched, 
for  though  intemperate  he  yet  loved  his  family,  and 
he  said — 

"  My  son,  you  need  not  go  to  school  any  more." 


2 


CHAPTER  II. 

after  this  I  engaged  to  work  upon  ai 
farm  for  Mr.  W ,  who,  though  bom  in  pov- 
erty and  obscurity,  had  by  hard  labor  become ' 
the  wealthiest  man  in  our  town.  My  wages 
were  very  small — about  eighteen  cents  a  day — and 
I  toiled  hard  from  morning  until  night.  He  thought 
it  impossible  to  do  his  labor  without  introducing  the 
whisky-jug  into  the  field,  and,  although  I  had  occa- 
sionally drank  cider  before  that  "time  and  tasted  of 
spirits  left  in  the  bottom  of  the  glasses,  it  was  there 
that  the  fatal  habit  was  formed  which  caused  me  so 
much  misery  in  after  life. 

Here  let  me  say  by  way  of  explanation,  that  Mr. 
"W had  acquired  his  wealth  and  property  by  indus- 
trious labor,  and  it  was  not  until  he  had  become  in 
easy  circumstances  that  he  drank  to  any  extent,  or  in- 
troduced spirituous  liquors  among  his  employees. 

When,  however,  I  began  to  work  for  Mr.  W—    —  he 

was  known  throughout  the  community  as  a  drunkard, 

and  no  man  or  boy  was  expected  to  labor  on  his  farm 

without,  at  least,  taking  a  drink  of  whisky    before 

26 


NEW  AC Q UAINTANCES.  27 

breakfast,  one  before  dinner,  one  before  supper,  and 
one  before  retiring.  And  the  reader  can  readily  see 
that  under  such  circumstances  the  prospects  of  my 
turning  out  to  be  a  sober  man  were  slim  indeed.  I 
soon  found  myself  able,  with  the  help  of  tansy  and  su- 
gar, to  take  my  glass  with  as  much  ease  and  pleasuro 
as  any  man  on  the  farm. 

About  this  time  I  formed  the  acquaintance  of  a  num- 
ber of  boys  of  about  my  own  age,  who  at  first  treated 
me  with  considerable  kindness  owing  to  my  having 
become  a  laborer  on  the  farm.  They  would  frequently 

call  at  Mr.  "W 's  house,  and  he  always  allowed  me 

the  privilege  of  giving  them  something  to  drink ;  and 
being  able  to  drink,  smoke,  and  chew  with  them,  I 
became  quite  a  favorite,  and  our  evenings  were  spent 
usually  in  visiting  the  houses  of  neighbors  who  were 
in  the  habit  of  keeping  cider  and  liquor  in  their  cellars, 
and  we  were  always  invited  to  partake. 

One  of  us  generally  carried  a  pack  of  cards  in  his 
pocket,  and  we  would  gather  around  the  table  and  play 
cards  and  drink  cider  and  whisky  until  late  at  night, 
and,  on  our  way  home,  reeling  under  the  influence  of 
the  potations  in  which  we  had  indulged,  we  would 
make  the  night  hideous  with  our  noisy  demonstrations. 

Our  Sabbaths  were  usually  spent  in  some  neighbor's 
barn,  with  a  bottle  of  rum  in  each  of  our  pockets,  play- 
ing cards — the  loser  of  the  game  being  obliged  to  stand 
treat ;  we  would  sometimes  stay  until  after  the  stars 
peeped  out  at  night,  having  fallen  asleep  over  empty 
bottles  and  cards. 

Thus -it  is  that  boys  are  led  on,  step  by  step,  gradu- 


28  OUR  NEIGHBORS  RUM  JUGS. 

ally,  not  only  in  rum-drinking,  but  in  card-playing  and 
Sabbath-breaking,  until  vice  so  completely  overmasters 
t'lem  that,  even  in  boyhood,  they  are  beginning  to 
cuter  the  broad  road  which  leads  down  to  the  gates  of 
hell. 

If  the  reader  should  happen  to  be  just  entering  this 
same  path,  let  him  stop  and  consider  in  what  direction 
•ho  is  traveling,  and,  to  uss  a  military  term,  let  him 
"  r'ght  about  face"  and  retreat  on  the  "  double  quick  " 
from  such  an  enemy ;  for  he  will  show  far  greater  wis- 
dom in  so  doing,  than  in  facing  a  deadly  foe,  whose 
principal  weapons  are  tempting  and  pleasurable  allure- 
r.icnts.  Little  threads  will  soon  become  transmitted 
i:i':o  chains  of  brass  which  will  require  more  than  the 
strength  of  a  Samson  to  rend  asunder,  and  none  but 
God  can  set  the  victim  free. 

After  laboring  for  Mr.  W for  some  length  of 

time  our  family  moved  into  a  tenement  house  situated 
on  his  farm.  One  of  the  little  rooms  was  allotted  to 
me  as  my  sleeping  apartment ;  and  many  a  time,  after 
remaining  out  late  at  night,  fearing  to  enter  at  the 
front  door,  I  have  crawled  in  at  the  back  window  in  a 
partially  intoxicated  condition,  got  into  my  bed,  and 
slept  the  unquiet  and  uninvigorating  sleep  of  those 
who  indulge  in  intoxicating  drinks. 

In  prowling  about  the  neighborhood  at  night  I  soon 
acquired  valuable  information — that  is,  valuable  infor- 
mation for  one  like  myself.  It  was  no  less  than  find- 
ing the  hiding-places  in  which  our  thirsty  neighbors 

!:ept  their  rum  jugs.  Mr.  A kept  his  jug  in  a 

[inning-mill ;  Mr.  B had  his  deposited  in  a  hay- 


MORNING  DISAPPOINTMENTS.  29 

mow  ;  Mr.  C kept  Iris  in  a  manger ;  Mr.  D had 

his  behind  a  stone  wall ;  Mr.  E his  in  a  clump  of 

bushes  near  the  house ;  Mr.  F in  the  hen-coop. 

Wherever  I  would  ramble,  I  could  constantly  regale 
myself  with  my  favorite  beverage,  and  being  always 
accompanied  by  a  number  of  youths  about  my  own 
age,  we  usually  enjoyed  what  Bacchanalians  call  a  jolly 
time. 

I  doubt  not,  that  many  a  morning  when  chanticleer 
gave  his  shrill  warning  of  the  break  of  day,  many  a 
thirsty  victim,  with  swollen  tongue,  parched  lips,  and 
trembling  hands,  has  leaped  from  his  bed,  and  with 
eager  haste,  ran  to  the  well-known  hiding-place  and 
clutched  the  jug  to  take  his  morning  dram,  who,  while 
lifting  it  to  his  lips,  has  stood  chained  to  the  spot  with 
astonishment ;  for — oh  what  a  fall  was  there  my  coun- 
trymen ! — behold  the  jug  was  empty ;  and  with  blas- 
phemous ejaculations  and  a  heavy  heart  he  has  wended 
his  sorrowful  way  homeward,  minus  his  "  bitters." 

My  employer  kept  a  number  of  -horses,  and  I  soon 
learned  to  drive  them  with  perfect  ease ;  and  find- 
ing me  handy  at  all  kinds  of  work  he  raised  my  wages 
to  twenty-five  cents  a  day.  Having  no  children  of  his 
own  he  proposed  that  I  should  have  my  name  changed 
to  correspond  with  that  of  his  own,  and  remain  with 
him  as  his  own  son ;  but  I  preferred  to  retain  my  own 
name,  and  continue  to  work  for  him  as  before.  Often, 
when  handing  me  the  whisky-jug  after  having  partak- 
en thereof  himself,  he  would  place  his  rough  and  sun- 
browned  hand  upon  my  shoulder,  and,  patting  me  gen- 
tly, say — 


30  MY  EMPLOYERS  PROPHECY. 

"  Bubby  George,  you  will  make  a  man  yet." 

"Whether  he  prophesied  from  the  activity  which  I 
displayed  in  my  labor  or  the  manly  gusto  with  which 
I  drank,  my  youthful  mind  was  then  unable  to  com- 
prehend. 

Under  this  manner  of  treatment  I  soon  began  to 
consider  myself  of  no  little  importance,  and  the  castles 
I  built  in  the  air  were  of  the  first  magnitude.  I  have 
no  doubt  Mr.  W—  -  intended  to  show  me  kindness, 
for  it  was  then  the  custom  in  that  part  of  the  country 
for  every  one  to  treat,  and  be  treated  with  spirituous 
liquors  ;  and  I  feel  assured  that  though  leading  me  in 
the  path  of  dissipation,  in  the  kindness  of  his  heart  he 
wished  me  well. 

He  was  in  the  habit  of  taking  me  along  with  him  to 
the  nearest  village,  to  transact  his  business  and  get  a 
supply  of  liquors,  and  we  would  generally  imbibe  pret- 
ty freely  before  starting  for  home.  His  constitution 
being  partially  broken  down,  he  could  not  stand  much 
liquor  without  becoming  greatly  under  its  influence ; 
and  being  noisy  and  talkative  he  would  attract  consid- 
able  attention,  from  the  boys  in  particular.  He  was 
considered  by  sober  people  to  be  anything  but  a  sober 
man. 

He  usually  drove  a  span  of  young  horses,  attached 
to  a  lumber  wagon  without  any  springs  ;  had  old  Dutch 
harnesses  with  rope  traces,  and  a  double  chair  with 
splint  bottom  placed  in  the  wagon-box  for  a  seat.  The 
chair  was  not  fastened  down,  and,  as  the  reins  were 
long,  in  going  up  hill  with  the  horses  at  full  spring,  it 
would  move  gradually  backt  and  on  arriving  at  the  top 


SOW  WE  WENT  TO  TOWN.  31 

of  the  hill  we  would  find  ourselves  at  the  very  hind 
end  of  the  old  wagon-box.  I  generally  held  the  lines 
and  he  flourished  the  whip.  He  would  raise  it  far 
above  his  head,  and  with  his  coat-tails  streaming  in 
the  wind,  scream  at  the  top  of  his  voice — 

"G'lang!" 

The  horses  on  hearing  him  would  increase  their 
speed  until  they  almost  raised  the  old  wagon  from  the 
ground,  and  then  rush  down  hill  with  the  speed 
of  the  wind,  the  whiffletree  striking  their  heels  and 
they  kicking  at  the  same  time.  The  old  wagon  would 
bound  from  stone  to  stone  like  a  rubber  foot-ball,  while 
the  rumbling  noise  it  made  could  be  heard  the  distance 
of  a  mile  on  a  clear  day. 

Every  team  we  met  would  give  us  the  whole  road, 
and  the  occupants,  throwing  their  hats  in  the  air,  would 
scream  out — 

"  Clear  the  track." 

When  going  down  hill  our  seat  would  travel  towards 
the  forward  part  of  the  wagon-box,  and,  as  we  drew  a 
tight  rein  upon  the  horses,  gathering  up  the  lines 
shorter  and  shorter,  the  old  chair  kept  moving  forward, 
and  when  the  horses,  panting  and  trembling  in  every 
limb,  were  stopped  by  reining  them  up  to  the  fence  on 
the  level  ground  below,  instead  of  finding  ourselves  in 
the  hind  end  of  the  wagon  as  a  few  moments  before 
while  going  up  the  hill,  we  found  we  had  changed  our 
location  some  twelve  or  fifteen  feet,  to  a  position  in 
close  proximity  with  the  horses'  heels ;  while  the  whis- 
ky-jug, having  reversed  the  general  order  of  things  and 
being  itself  thrown  from  the  centre  of  gravity,  was 


"  CONSIDERABLY  SHOOK  UP," 

found  to  be  hugging  the  front  end  of  the  old  wagon-box. 

Then,  while  the  horses  were  resting,  we  pledged 
luck  and  prosperity  to  each  other  by  taking  a  drink. — - 
This  same  scene  being  enacted  several  times  during 
our  homeward  ride,  the  panting  horses  would  at  last 
be  reined  up  at  his  door. 

In  driving  home  one  time  from  the  village,  Mr.  W — 
struck  the  horses  a  heavy  blow  with  his  whip,  and  they 
sprang  several  feet  at  one  tremendous  bound,  the  old 
wagon-seat  flew  from  under  us,  and,  having  the  reins 
in  my  own  hands,  I  saved  myself  from  falling ;  but  he, 
having  nothing  to  support  him,  and  being  half  seas 
over,  struck  heavily  upon  his  back  on  the  bottom  of 
the  wagon.  I  was  unable  to  stop  the  horses,  the  road 
was  rough,  and  at  every  jump  the  horses  made,  the  old 
fellow  bounced  up  about  two  feet,  striking  the  bottom 
of  the  wagon-box  every  time  he  came  down. 

He  went  bumpity  bump  ;  bumpity  bump,  for  nearly 
the  distance  of  a  mile  before  the  horses  could  be 
stopped.  He  then  found  himself  considerably  "shook" 
up  and  not  a  little  bruised,  and  much  more  sober  than 
when  he  flourished  the  whip  so  gaily. 

Immediately  after  finishing  haying  upon  his  farm 
that  season,  I  left  him,  and  engaged  to  work  for  Mr. 
P ,  who  owned  a  small  farm  some  two  miles  dis- 
tant. He  occupied  a  portion  of  his  time  upon  his  farm, 
and  the  balance  of  the  time  he  burned  and  peddled 
charcoal. 


CHAPTER  III. 

HE  first  morning  I  went  into  breakfast  there 
were  three  glasses  placed  upon  the  table, 
and  they  were  filled  about  half  full  of  whisky. 
One  was  for  his  wife,  one  for  himself  and  one 
for  me.  His  wife  stepped  up  to  the  table  and  drank 
her's  off  as  though  it  was  nothing  unusual.  He  drank 
his  down  a  little  slower,  and,  wishing  to  exhibit  my 
proficiency  in  that  direction  I  raised  my  glass  to  my 
lips,  and  throwing  back  my  head  I  undertook  to  gulp 
it  down  at  a  single  swallow ;  but  it  was  very  strong 
liquor,  and  it  strangled  me  in  the  attempt,  and  I 
gasped  for  breath  several  times  while  it  brought  tears 
to  my  eyes. 

Mr.  P Booking  at  me  in  perfect  astonishment 

while  his  wife  stood  motionless,  ejaculated — 
"Can't  you  drink  that?" 

Then  pointing  to  the  cradle  where  his  little  babe 
was  lying,  he  exclaimed — 

"  That  little  child  can  drink  that,"  and,  suiting  the 
action  to  the  word,  he  poured  some  liquor  in  the  glass, 
and  gave  it  to  the  child,  who  drank  it  down  with  as 
2*  33 


34:  A  HEAVY  DAY'S  WORK. 

much  relish  as  though  it  was  warm  milk  from  its  moth- 
er's breast. 

After  partaking  of  breakfast,  Mr.  P and  myself 

repaired  to  the  field,  he  taking  the  whisky-jug  in  his 
hand.  Instead  of  going  to  work  we  sat  down  at  a  cold 
spring  some  thirty  rods  from  the  house  and  began  to 
talk.  He  finally  proposed  that  we  should  take  another 
drink,  which  I  unhesitatingly  assented  to,  and  we  both 
drank  from  the  jug.  Sitting  it  down  in  the  spring  to 
keep  it  cool  we  again  began  a  lively  conversation,  and, 
the  liquor  beginning  to  work  upon  our  brains,  we  for- 
got all  about  our  intended  labor,  and  as  our  conversa- 
tion became  more  lively  we  drank  more  frequently, 
until  at  last  becoming  stupefied,  we  stretched  ourselves 
upon  the  ground  and  slept  until  sunset. 

The  reader  may  judge  of  our  astonishment  upon 
waking  up  to  find  the  shades  of  night  approaching. 
We  then  took  one  or  two  pulls  at  the  jug,  and,  shoul- 
dering our  implements  of  labor,  with  jug  in  hand,  we 
went  home  to  supper. 

The  following  Saturday  night  the  whisky  gave  out 
about  four  o'clock,  and  he  said  to  me — 

k'  George,  whisky  with  me  is  victuals,  drink,  and 
lodging." 

I  did  not  then  consider  it  "  lodgings,"  but  have  since 
found  out  that  it  has  furnished  me  lodgings  in  many 
places  that  were  anything  but  desirable.  If  the  reader 
of  these  pages  possesses  a  strong  appetite  for  drink,  and 
is  indulging  day  by  day,  he  will  find  before  long,  that 
of  the  three,  it  will  furnish  lodgings  first ;  and  it  will 
not  be  upon  a  bed  of  down,  nor  upon  the  flowery  beds 


PORTRAIT  OF  " DOLL"  35 

of  ease,  but  by  the  side  of  the  road,  or  behind  some 
stone  wall,  where  the  cold  winds  will  search  him 
through  and  through ;  or  within  some  massive  walls, 
with  iron  bars,  where  chains  clank  and  the  ponderous 
lock  closes  him  in  from  the  sight  of  man,  with  no  kind 
hand  to  soothe  his  throbbing  temples,  will  his  place  of 
rest  be  found. 

The  whisky,  as  I  said  before,  having  been  exhausted, 

Mr.  P informed  me  that  I  must  go  to  the  nearest 

village  and  get  a  fresh  supply,  for  it  was  impossible  to 
get  over  the  Sabbath  without  his  usual  allowance.  So, 
his  views  and  my  own  with  regard  to  this  matter  coin- 
ciding, I  readily  consented  to  go.  Going  into  the  barn 
he  brought  out  his  horse  called  "  Doll,"  which  animal, 
upon  making  its  appearance,  caused  me  to  stare  at  her 
in  perfect  astonishment,  and  compelled  me  to  arrive  at 
a  hasty  conclusion  from  the  looks  of  the  animal,  that 
the  crows  had  a  mortgage  upon  her ;  or  if  not  mort- 
gaged to  them  they  at  least  owned  stock  in  her, 
and  would  soon  present  their  claims  for  a  dividend. 

A  more  sorrowful  looking  animal  I  have  never 
beheld.  Her  head  was  twice  the  sizo  it  should  be  in 
proportion  to  her  body ;  she  had  lost  the  sight  of  one 
eye  completely,  and  I  concluded  she  needed  a  pair  of 
glasses  to  see  out  of  the  other.  Her  neck  was  long 
and  slim,  while  her  mane  stuck  up  like  porcupine's 
quills.  She  was  lame  in  one  of  her  fore  legs,  while  the 
hair  was  worn  off  her  breast  by  coming  in  contact  with 
the  hard  collar.  Her  back-bone  was  so  sharp  you  could 
almost  shaye  yourself  with  it,  and  you  could  count 
every  bone  in  her  body  at  ten  rods  distance.  On  one 


36  i  ao  FOR  WHISKY. 

of  her  hind  legs  she  had  a  bone  spavin,  and,  taken 
gether,  presented  so  mournfully  distressing  an  appear- 
ance that  no  artist  could  take  the  animal's  portrait  and 
refrain  from  weeping. 

Header,  laugh  if  you  will,  but  this  is  a  true  and  faith- 
ful picture  of  a  drunkard's  horse,  and  if  the  society  for 
the  prevention  of  cruelty  to  animals  had  then  been  in 
existence,  an  opportunity  would  have  been-  furnished 
them  to  at  least  consider  the  case  and  prevent  further 
cruelty  to  a  forlorn  specimen  of  a  once  noble  horse. 

Mr.  P placed  a  two-bushel  bag  filled  with  straw 

upon  her  back  for  a  saddle  and  putting  a  jug  into  each 
end  of  another  two-bushel  bag  he  laid  it  across  her 
back,  the  jugs  dangling  at  each  side,  and,  with  bits  in 
her  mouth,  he  mounted  me  upon  the  paraphernalia. 

With  hat  drawn  over  my  eyes  to  prevent  being  rec- 
ognized, for  I  had  some  little  pride  at  that  time,  I  rode 
slowly  from  the  barn  to  his  house,  he  running  by  my 
side  crying,  "  Git  up,  git  up."  When  we  reached  the 
gate,  he  gave  me  money  with  which  to  buy  the  whis- 
ky, and  also  gave  me  ten  cents  to  buy  some  brandy  for 
myself. 

"  Now,"  said  he  by  way  of  advice,  "  George,  brandy 
is  six  and  a  quarter  cents  a  drink ;  but  if  you  get  one 
drink  right  after  the  other,  you  can  get  them  both  for 
ten  cents." 

With  this  valuable  information,  and  the  admonition 
to  hurry  back  as  soon  as  possible,  I  rode  slowly  away, 
presenting  an  appearance  as  ludicrous  as  Don  Quixote 
astride  of  Rosinante. 

In  time  the  village  was  reached,  my  jugs  were  filled, 


ADVENTURE  WITH  VILLAGE  BOYB.  37 

and  having  purchased  my  two  drinks  of  brandy,  I 
mounted  old  Doll  and  .prepared  to  leave  for  home.  But 
the  village  boys  had  been  watching  me,  and,  coming 
through  the  alleys  and  behind  the  buildings,  they  met 
together  in  the  street. 

Headed  by  one  of  them  as  captain,  they  charged 
after  me  in  double  quick  time,  and  before  I  had  reached 
the  top  of  the  hill  leading  out  of  the  village  they  caught 
up  with  me,  and  several  of  them,  catching  hold  of  that 
part  of  old  "  Doll "  which  goes  over  the  bars  last,  held 
her  perfectly  still.  Being  considerably  frightened  I 
applied  the  whip,  and  she  scratched  gravel  in  her  best 
style,  but  it  was  no  go;  they  held  her  transfixed  to  the 
spot.  Finally,  it  was  agreed  that  if  I  would  treat  two 
or  three  of  the  larger  boys  they  would  let  me  go.  So 
I  dismounted,  and  taking  the  jug  from  the  bag  gave 
each  of  them  a  drink.  I  then  took  one  myself,  placed 
the  jug  back  in  the  bag,  and  proceeded  on  my  way. 

When  I  had  got  near  home  I  was  obliged  to  pass  a 
house  where  an  old  man  lived  who  was  a  great  veteran. 
Not  a  veteran  who  had  distinguished  himself  in  the 
service  of  his  country,  for  he  probably  never  drew  a 
sword  in  her  defence,  but  he  was  a  great  veteran  at 
drinking  whisky.  I  thought  I  would  stop  and  rejoice 
his  heart  by  giving  him  a  drink  from  one  of  the  jugs. 

So  reining  old  "  Doll  "  up  to  the  fence,  I  called  out 
to  him  at  the  top  of  my  voice,  and  as  he  was  deaf  I  was 
obliged  to  repeat  it  several  times  in  order  to  make  him 
hear.  My  voice  finally  reached  him,  and  he  came  out 
of  the  house,  leaning  upon  his  staif,  his  white  hair  fall- 
ing upon  his  shoulders  and  his  limbs  trembling  in  every 


38  AN  OLD  VETERAN. 

nerve  as  he  tottered  to  where  I  was  standing,  with  a 
smile  upon  his  countenance,  for  he  had  espied  the  jug 
which  I  had  taken  from  the  bag  and  held  in  my  hand, 
and  he  knew  that  he  was  going  to  be  treated. 

Placing  the  jng  in  his  shaky  hands,  he  slowly  car- 
ried it  to  his  lips,  and,  closing  his  eyes,  poured  the  iiery 
liquid  down  his  throat ;  and  he  continued  to  drink  so 
long  that  I  feared  my  employer  would  miss  some  of 
his  whisky  ;  and,  as  I  was  looking  out  for  myself  as 
well,  I  was  compelled  to  make  the  old  veteran  desist. 
He  seemed  thirsty  enough  to  drink  the  whole  of  it.  I 
approached  him  as  near  as  I  could,  crying  in  his  ear  at 
the  top  of  my  voice — 

"  Don't  drink  it  all  up." 

At  the  same  time  I  placed  my  hand  upon  the  jug 
and  drew  it  gently  from  him.  He  placed  his  withered 
hand  upon  his  parched  throat  and  said— 

"  That  tastes  good ;  I  wish  my  neck  was  a  mile 
long." 

I  said  to  myself,  "  Uncle,  if  it  takes  as  much  as  that 
to  wet  your  neck  at  its  present  length,  I  should  hate 
to  moisten  it  for  a  mile  and  pay  for  it  at  four  dollars  a 
month," — the  amount  that  I  was  then  receiving. 

On  arriving  home  and  placing  the  poor  old  horse  in 
the  barn,  we  went  in  to  supper,  and  all  took  an  oppor- 
tunity to  test  the  quality  of  the  contents  of  the  jug. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

WORKED  for  Mr.  P—  -  for  some  length 
of  time,  and,  between  working  and  drinking  we 
managed  to  get  along  as  well  as  could  be  ex- 
pected under  the  circumstances. 
In  those  days  it  was  the  custom  to  have  ploughing 
bees ;  or,  if  a  man  wished  to  get  up  a  quantity  of  wood 
he  would  invite  his  neighbors  to  come  writh  their  teams ; 
and  while  some  chopped,  others  would  haul  the  wood 
to  his  door. 

The  whisky-jug  under  those  circumstances  was  in- 
dispensable. Many  would  go  home  at  night  feeling 
in  extraordinary  good  spirits ;  while  some  would  be 
considerably  intoxicated. 

Being  sent  one  afternoon  to  one  of  these  gatherings 
I  was  delighted  to  carry  around  the  jug,  and,  drinking 
as  often  as  any  of  them,  for  the  first  time  in  my  life  I 
lost  entire  control  of  myself,  and  became  so  much  in- 
toxicated that  my  reason  left  me.  Reeling  beneath 
the  load  I  fell  prostrate  upon  the  ground,  and  remained 
in  a  state  of  stupefaction  for  some  time. 

How  I  got  back  to  my  employer's  house  has,  up  to 

39 


40  HOW  I  BRIDLED  THE  HORSE. 

this  day,  remained  to  me  a  mystery.  Suffice  it  to  say, 
when  coming  back  to  consciousness  I  found  myself 
there,  and  getting  upon  my  feet  I  found  I  was  able  to 
walk  about,  though  considerably  stimulated. 

There  were  several  men  sitting  upon  the  grass  in 
the  front  yard,  among  them  my  own  father.  The  jug 
was  being  passed  around,  and  they  invited  me  to  drink. 
I  accepted  the  invitation,  and  felt  somewhat  relieved 
after  drinking. 

My  father  said  that  as  it  was  Saturday  night,  they 
were  going  down  to  the  Catskill  Creek  to  spear  eels, 
and  they  had  arranged  for  me  to  accompany  them  to 
carry  the  whisky-jug,  while  some  held  the  torches, 
and  others  used  their  spears. 

It  was  agreed  that  Mr.  P—  — 's  teams  should  be  used 
upon  that  occasion,  and  I  was  sent  with  bridle  in  hand 
to  bring  the  horses  from  the  field.  As  I  was  consid- 
erably stimulated  I  could  not  see  straight,  and  instead 
of  getting  the  bits  in  the  horse's  mouth  I  got  the  head 
piece  where  the  bits  should  have  been,  and  the  bits  on 
top  of  one  of  the  horse's  head. 

When  I  came  to  the  men  sitting  upon  the  grass, 
leading  the  horses,  they  saw  the  blunder  at  once,  and 
bursting  out  into  roars  of  laughter,  they  said — 

"  George,  you  must  be  drunk." 

I  concluded  myself  that  they  were  about  right. 

After  considerable  delay  we  got  ready  to  start,  and 
about  fifteen  men  were  piled  promiscuously  in  the  long 
wagon-box,  while  I  was  seated  in  front  to  drive.  Tak- 
ing one  drink  all  around,  they  placed  their  hats  upon 
the  ends  of  their  spears  and  held  them  above  their 


JL  SATURDA  Y  NIGHT  EXCURSION.  41 

heads,  while  I  brandished  the  long  whip  triumphantly 
in  my  hand. 

Then  they  shouted,  "  All  on  board,"  and  we  moved 
off  at  a  pretty  good  speed.  The  whole  of  the  party, 
having  drank  rather  freely,  felt  as  though  they  owned 
a  consideration  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  one  of 
them  remarked  as  he  took  another  swig  at  the  jug— 

"  What  is  the  use  of  being  poor,  when  a  shilling  ex- 
pended in  whisky  will  make  you  rich  ? " 

Between  singing  and  hallooing,  laughing  and  joking, 
we  attracted  much  attention  as  we  rode  along ;  and 
feeling  well  myself  for  a  boy  of  my  years  I  made  as 
much  noise  as  any  of  them. 

Having  said  something  which  displeased  my  father, 
who  was  seated  in  the  wagon,  he  reached  over  the 
shoulders  of  those  in  front  of  him,  and  with  his  spear 
handle  struck  me  a  heavy  blow  upon  the  top  of  the 
head,  which  nearly  knocked  me  from  off  the  wagon. 
Upon  this  some  of  them  caught  him  by  the  coat  collar, 
and,  flourishing  their  spear  handles  above  his  head, 
cried — 

"  Don't  you  do  that  again,  for  no  man  can  abuse 
George  while  he  is  with  us." 

One  of  them  then  pulled  the  stoppel  from  the  jug 
and  poured  some  of  its  contents  upon  my  head,  rubbed 
gently  with  his  hand  the  bump  raised  by  the  spear 
handle,  and  said  to  me — 

"  Don't  be  frightened  ;  you  shall  not  be  hurt  any 
more." 

After  the  external  application  with  the  help  of  an- 
other drink  I  felt  quite  well  again,  and  we  proceeded 


42  A  SAD  STORY. 

gaily  on.  My  father,  being  a  good  deal  intoxicated, 
struck  me,  probably,  a  heavier  blow  than  he  intended  • 
;and  though  a  good,  kind  father  when  sober,  even  in 
Lis  intemperate  moments  he  loved  his  only  boy,  and, 
•on  second  consideration,  he  acknowledged  himself  sorry 
for  having  struck  the  hasty  blow. 

Oh !  how  many  fathers,  at  the  present  time,  in  their 
sober  moments  love  their  children  with  all  the  fond- 
ness of  their  parental  affection,  and  would  face  even 
death  itself  to  save  them  from  surrounding  danger, 
who,  when  reason  is  dethroned  and  their  fond  affection 
blighted  by  the  fell  destroyer,  have  often  struck  the 
fatal  blow  which  has  laid  their  darling  child  low  in  the 
icy  arms  of  death. 

Here  let  me  draw  a  picture  of  but  one  case  out  of 
many  thousands  that  constantly  occur  in  our  land 
Mr.  C —  -  was  known  in  the  neighborhood  in  which 
he  lived  as  a  kind  man  when  sober ;  and  he  toiled  hard 
every  day  to  give  his  wife  and  children  the  necessaries 
of  life.  But  when  reeling  under  the  influence  of  the 
maddening  bowl,  it  would  seem  as  though  the  very 
demon  of  the  damned  had  taken  possession  of  his  soul, 
and  he  was  ever  ready  at  such  times  to  wreak  his 
vengeance  upon  his  helpless  family. 

Coming  home  one  night,  staggering  under  the  pota- 
tions that  he  had  taken  during  the  day,  upon  entering 
tlie  house  he  demanded  of  his  wife  to  tell  him  if  his 
little  son  aged  ten  years,  had  done  the  work  he  told 
him  to  do  when  he  left  home  in  the  morning.  She 
answered  him,  that  shortly  after  he  left  the  boy  was 
taken  quite  ill  and  had  been  unable  to  finish  his  task. 


THE  HA  STY  BLO  W.  48 

On  hearing  this  he  stamped  upon  the  floor,  and 
clenching  his  fists  he  said — 

«  D him,  I  will  learn  him,  sick  or  well,  not  to 

disobey  me." 

Then  rushing  out  of  the  door  he  soon  re-entered 
with  a  club  in  his  hand,  clambered  up  the  stairs,  entered 
the  little  room,  and  called  out  to  his  son — 

"  You  young  rascal !  why  didn't  you  do  that  work  ?" 

The  little  boy  turned  over  in  bed,  with  feverish 
cheek,  tears  starting  in  his  little  eyes,  and  trembling 
at  the  sight  of  his  enraged  father  said — 

"  Oh !  father,  I  was  sick.  Oh !  don't  whip  me  for  I 
feel  very  weak,  and  if  I  had  been  well  I  would  have 
done  the  work." 

But  the  father's  heart  was  turned  to  steel  and  he  was 

impervious  to  the  moanings  and  entreaties  of  his  little 

boy,  and  uttering  a  terrible  oath  he  approached  the 

vbed,  and  raising  the  club  that  he  held  in  his  grasp 

said — 

"  I'll  teach  you  better  conduct  than  to  disobey  me." 

At  the  same  time  he  struck  the  boy  a  blow  on  the  tem- 
ple with  such  terrible  force  that  the  blood  gushed  from 
his  nostrils  and  from  the  wound,  soaking  the  pillow  on 
which  his  little  head  rested. 

Seeing  at  a  glance  that  he  had  struck  a  heavier  blow 
than  he  intended,  he  hurried  down  the  stairs.  The 
sight  of  what  he  had  done  had  nearly  sobered  him,  and 
taking  his  hat  in  his  hand  with  his  cheek  pale  and 
bloodless,  he  told  his  wife  he  believed  that  he  had  killed 
his  boy,  and,  darting  out  of  the  open  door,  he  ran  at 
the  top  of  his  speed  to  the  nearest  physician  and  told 


44  PLIGHT  OS  THE  PARRICIDE. 

him  what  he  had  done,  requesting  him  at  the  same 
time  to  go  to  his  house  as  soon  as  possible,  and  ascer- 
tain if  the  little  fellow  was  really  dead. 

Then  he  started  for  the  nearest  piece  of  woods,  where 
he  could  conceal  himself  and  at  the  same  time  could 
get  a  good  view  from  beneath  the  underbrush  of  his 
own  house.  He  saw  the  physician  come  and  go  away ; 
then  he  saw  others  come,  remain  a  short  time,  and  go 
away  ;  and  for  three  days  he  watched  from  his  hiding 
place  without  eating  a  mouthful  of  food  or  drinking  a 
drop  ci'  water.  On  the  third  day  at  ten  o'clock,  he 
saw  teams  coming  from  every  direction  loaded  with 
people,  and  stopping  in  front  of  his  house.  He  then 
knew  his  little  boy  was  dead. 

He  remained  in  his  hiding-place  until  night,  when* 
he  silently  stole  away  on  foot,  over  fields,  through 
swamps  and  forests,  with  his  face  towards  Canada., 
The  north  star  was  his  only  guide  through  the  long 
hours  of  night  as  he  pushed  on,  fleeing  from  the  hand 
of  Justice,  goaded  with  the  terrible  thought,  his  bosom 
heaving  with  emotion,  knowing  that  he  was  the  mur- 
derer of  his  own  child,  and  that  rum  had  maddened 
him  to  commit  the  monstrous  crime. 

He  traveled  as  far  as  he  could  at  night,  and  in  the 
day  time  he  concealed  himself,  sustaining  life  as  best 
he  could  by  sometimes  emerging  from  his  hiding-place 
and  venturing  to  the  nearest  farm  house  in  the  edge 
of  the  evening,  where  lie  would  beg  something  to  eat. 

Then  he  would  follow  his  starry  guide  through  the 
long  hours  of  night.  He  finally  reached  the  outer 
boundaries  of  the  United  States,  and  concealed  himself 


ON  THE  REFUGEE'S  TRAIL,  45 

on  board  of  a  vessel  which  was  to  sail  in  a  few  hours 
for  Canada. 

But  the  eye  of  an  avenging  God  had  followed  him 
through  his  solitary  journey,  and  he  was  never  destined 
to  see  the  Queen's  Dominions ;  for  the  officers  of  Jus- 
tice were  upon  his  track,  and  one  of  them  reached  the 
vessel  in  which  he  was  hidden  just  twenty  minutes 
before  she  was  ready  to  sail. 

The  officer  had  nothing  by  which  to  identify  him 
except  a  large  scar  which  was  upon  one  of  his  hands. 
He  searched  the  vessel  without  at  first  finding  him, 
and  went  on  shore,  telling  the  captain  he  was  satisfied 
the  man  he  was  in  pursuit  of  was  not  on  board ;  but 
to  make  sure  he  went  back  and  searched  once  more. 
He  became  thoroughly  convinced  that  his  efforts  to 
find  him  would  be  fruitless,  and  was  just  about  to  leave 
the  vessel  when,  lo  !  crouching  close  down  behind  and 
nearly  entirely  hidden  by  some  timber,  he  saw  a  man 
with  a  slouched  hat  drawn  over  his  face  and  a  pair  of 
cotton  gloves  on  his  hands. 

The  officer  approaching  him  said — 

"  Is  your  name  Mr.  C ,  and  do  you  live  in 

County  in  the  State  of  New  York?" 

He  replied  that  was  not  his  name  and  that  he  lived 
in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania.  The  officer  said — 

"Just  take  off  your  gloves  and  show  me  your 
hands." 

He  pulled  off  one  of  them  and  held  up  his  hand 
when  the  officer  said — 

"  Pull  off  your  other  glove  and  let  me  see  the  other 
hand." 


46  A  TERRIBLE  PICTURE. 

On  its  being  done  the  scar  was  discovered,  and  the 
officer  knew  then  he  had  found  his  man ;  placing  his 
hand  npon  his  shoulder,  he  said — 

"  Sir,  you  are  my  prisoner.  I  arrest  you  as  the  mur- 
derer of  your  own  son." 

The  heavy  irons  were  fastened  upon  him,  and  he 
was  soon  on  his  way  back  to  the  scene  of  the  terrible 
tragedy. 

He  was  tried  for  murder;  but  through  the  influence 
of  powerful  friends  he  was  acquitted  of  the  irime  of 
murder,  found  guilty  of  manslaughter,  and  punished 
accordingly. 

After  a  number  of  years  a  pardon  was  granted  him, 
but  still  the  image  of  his  little  murdered  son  was  ever 
before  his  eyes,  and  he  hid  from  the  sight  of  man  suf- 
fering ten  thousand  deaths,  and  was  ever  shunned  by 
his  fellow  men.  lie  died  a  few  years  afterwards  unpit- 
ied  and  unknown. 

Ah !  rum,  cruel,  cruel  rum-,  the  demon  of  the  damned, 
how  .many  untold  sorrows  hast  thou  produced,  how 
many  fond  hearts  hast  thou  broken,  how  many  hast 
thou  sent  down  in  sorrow  to  the  grave  ?  Ah  !  the  ter- 
rible picture  never  can  be  painted.  Paint  a  picture 
black  as  hell — paint  starvation,  crime  and  death — paint 
ruined  houses  and  broken  hearts — paint  starving  chil- 
dren and  a  mother's  shame — paint  skeletons  of  dead 
men  and  women  suspended  from  the  high  dome  oi' 
Heaven,  with  rolling  thunder  o'er  their  heads  and 
forked  lightning  flashing  beneath  their  feet — paint  all 
these  in  one  conglomerated  mass  and  then  you  would 
have  but  the  faint  outline  of  the  dark  picture  of  every 


SPEARING  EELS.  47 

day  life,  could  it  be  arrayed  before  us  in-  all  its  horrora 
caused  by  rum. 

Come  forth,  ye  victims  of  intemperance*  and  testify 
to  this.     Come  forth  ye  bleeding  hearts.    Starvation,, 
step  in  the  ranks  that  we  may  behold  thee  in  all  thyr 
horror.     Crystal  tears,  come  to  our  relief,  that  thy  tes- 
timony may  be  taken.     Murderer,  come  forth  reeking; 
with  the  blood  of  thy  victim.     Graves,  burst  open  andi 
l3t  the  victim  of  intemperance  stalk  forth  with   his 
bony  fingers  and  frenzied  glare.     Hell's  dark  surging 
waves,  roll  back,  that. we  may  gather  ten  thousand 
legions  from  the  dark  domain  of  endless  woe,  to  sub- 
stantiate the  horrid  deeds  that  rum  has  done. 

The  reader  will  please  pardon  this  digression  from 
my  own  personal  experience,  for  the  great  object  in 
writing  this  book  is,  if  possible,  to  lead  some  poor 
drunkard  back  to  the  paths  o£  temperance,  happiness, 
and  virtue,  and  to  God ;  and  restore  him  reconstructed 
and  redeemed  to  the  arms  of  his  own  dear  family,  as 
the  prodigal  son  returned  to  his  father's  house. 

To  continue  the  narrative  begun  previously  to  the 
sad  incident  just  related,  our  party  reached  the  creek 
.about  dark,  unhitched  the  horses  from  the  wagon  and 
tied  them  to  a  tree,  throwing  before  them  a  bundle  of 
hay.. 

We  then  began  to  arrange  for  our  night's  adventure 
in  eel  catching,  by  filling  the  "lighter"  with  pine 
faggots  and  lighting  tlxem,  in  order  that  we  might  see 
the  eels  under  water.  We  put  on  old  suits  of  clothing 
brought  for  the  purpose,  took  a  drink  all  around  to 
give  a  steady  hand  to  hold  the  spear,  and  with  a  torch 


48  WET  AND  DRY. 

light  raised  above  our  heads,  we  marched  boldly  clown 
into  the  stream  and  commenced  operations. 

As  soon  as  an  eel  was  struck  it  was  placed  in  a  bag 
brought  for  the  purpose,  and  few  of  those  that  came 
in  our  way  escaped  that  night.  As  we  had  a  large 
supply  of  whisky  on  hand,  it  was  unanimously  voted, 
that  whenever  a  successful  strike  was  made  we  should 
all  drink  around,  and  as  numbers  were  added  to  the  sup- 
ply in  the  bag  we  had  occasion  to  drink  quite  often. 
As  I  drank  as  often  as  the  men  I  began  to  feel  the 
effects  of  the  potations,  so  much  so  that  I  became  un- 
able to  carry  the  jug  any  longer  without  reeling  through 
the  water  and  making  a  considerable  noise,  which 
frightened  away  the  fish. 

My  father  then  directed  me  to  wade  to  the  shore 
and  lie  down  upon  the  grass  until  I  felt  better,  and 
then  bring  the  jug  out  again. 

This  met  with  my  approval,  and  without  hesitation 
I  started,  and  on  reaching  the  shore  I  sat  down  the 
jug,  threw  myself  upon  the  ground,  and  fell  asleep. 

How  long  I  slept  I  do  not  know,  but  it  was  probably 
less  than  an  hour.  I  was  aroused  from  my  slumber* 
by  hearing  them  calling — 

"  George,  bring  out  the  jug;  we  are  dry." 

Feeling  much  better  I  picked  up  the  jug  and  soon 
reached  them,  in  the  middle  of  the  stream.  Before 
starting  I  had  taken  the  precaution  to  fill  it  from 
the  supply  we  had  on  shore,  and,  having  had  no  oppor- 
tunity to  drink  for  some  time,  they  took  a  deeper 
draught  than  usual,  and  when  the  last  one  had  finished 
I  found  it  nearly  empty. 


WINDING  UP  OF  THE  SPREE.  49 

This  course  of  procedure  between  drinking  and 
spearing  was  kept  up  until  morning,  and  going  on 
shore  to  divide  the  spoils  wre  found  the  night's  work 
had  been  fruitful,  and  that  each  one  had  a  bountiful 
supply  of  eels. 

On  the  way  down  the  night  before  we  stopped  at 
a  hotel  where  the  principal  business  done  was  selling 
whisky,  and  the  proprietor  being  always  ready  for 
sport  of  that  kind,  accompanied  us.  After  the  horses 
were  attached  to  the  wagon  and  we  were  ready  to  start 
for  home,  a  consultation  was  held,  when,  by  invitation 
from  the  jolly  landlord  to  accompany  him  to  his  house 
to  wind  up  the  spree,  we  all  jumped  into  the  wagon, 
and  the  horses  were  soon  reined  up  at  the  door. 

On  entering  his  house  the  sport  began.  It  being 
then  Sunday  morning  they  decided  to  remain  until 
110011.  Each  one  of  the  company  was  to  stand  treat 
commencing  with  the  landlord.  Without  hesitation 
he  stepped  behind  the  bar,  sat  down  the  bottle,  and 
placing  the  tumblers  in  a  row  on  the  counter,  said — 

"  Come  on,  boys  ;  let's  drink." 

From  drinking  they  commenced  wrestling  ;  and  be- 
tween drinking,  wrestling  and  singing  we  desecrated 
God's  Holy  Day. 

The  horses  having  been  placed  in  my  charge  I  de- 
clined drinking  as  often  as  the  rest  of  them,  feeling 
some  responsibility  because  I  knew  if  they  all  got  so 
much  intoxicated  as  to  be  unable  to  sit  up  in  the  wagon, 
it  would  be  necessary  for  me  to  keep  sober  to  drive 
them  safely  home.  On  getting  ready  to  start,  I  found 
that  my  conjectures  were  not  without  foundation,  for 
3 


50  A  RUINED  HOME. 

such  scrambling,  staggering  and  reeling  to  get  into  the 
wagon  I  have  never  seen  before  nor  since ;  and  though 
partially  intoxicated  myself  I  felt  ashamed  of  my  com- 
pany. 

Tumbling  into  the  wagon,  they  stretched  themselves 
out  at  full  length,  and,  throwing  the  horse  blankets 
over  them  to  hide  them  from  the  sight  of  the  people 
returning  from  church,  I  placed  myself  upon  the  wag- 
on-seat, gathered  the  lines  in  my  hands,  cracked  the 
whip  around  the  horses'  heads,  and  drove  off  at  a  rapid 
rate,  leaving  the  landlord  reeling  in  the  door-way. 

In  that  condition  we  reached  home,  feeling  not  a  lit- 
tle the  worse  for  the  preceding  night's  adventure. 

Remaining  with  Mr.  P for  some  length  of  time, 

and  learning  more  of  his  circumstances  and  family 
relations,  I  found  out  that  his  wife  as  well  as  himself 
was  on  the  broad  road  to  destruction,  for  she  imbibed 
almost  as  freely  as  he  did  himself.  I  have  known  her 
to  be  so  much  under  the  influence  of  strong  drink,  in 
the  morning  before  breakfast,  that  she  would  be  obliged 
to  clutch  a  chair  to  keep  from  falling,  or  place  her  hand 
upon  the  wall  to  steady  herself  while  preparing  our 
morning  meal.  Under  such  circumstances  it  would 
riot  be  supposed  that  my  employer  would  prosper.  In 
a  short  time  after  I  left  him  he  was  obliged  to  dispose 
of  his  little  farm,  and,  gathering  up  a  few  articles  of 
but  little  value  that  had  remained  in  his  possession, 
he  sadly  left  the  spot  which  from  childhood  he  had 
called  his  home. 

Soon  after  this  his  wife,  who  still  retained  her  drink- 
ing habits,  sickened  and  died.  The  little  babe  also 


THE  JOLLY  LANDLORD.  51 

died  about  the  same  time,  and  the  mother  and  child 
were  laid  side  by  side  in  one  grave.  I  leave  the  reader 
of  these  pages  to  decide  what  killed  them,  and  why 
they  came  to  a  premature  death. 

The  last  I  heard  concerning  Mr.  P was  that  he 

still  adhered  to  his  old  habit  of  intemperance,  and  was 
gaining  a  living  by  working  for  day's  wages. 

The  jolly  landlord  who  accompanied  us  upon  our 
expedition,  and  at  whose  house  we  imbibed  so  free- 
ly on  that  beautiful  Sabbath  morning,  was  sometime 
afterwards  laid  upon  a  sick  bed  with  that  terrible  dis- 
ease, delirium  tremens,  and  he  only  recovered  to  be 
stricken  down  again  with  the  same  malady  about  two 
years  later.  The  last  time  I  saw  him  he  had  just  recov- 
ered, as  I  was  informed  by  almost  a  miracle  from  the 
third  attack  of  the  same  death-dealing  disease. 

While  I  looked  at  him,  moving  around  the  room 
like  a  spectre,  his  cheek  bloodless  and  his  glassy  eyes 
sunk  deep  in  their  sockets,  with  stooped  shoulders  and 
tottering  limbs,  I  scarcely  recognized  the  once  strong, 
healthy,  and  hearty -looking  man,  and  as  I  took  his 
fleshless,  bony  hand  within  my  own,  he  looked  up  into 
my  face,  and  with  a  sepulchral  voice  said — 

"  George,  I  am  glad  to  see  you.  I  am  not  what  I 
once  was." 

I  indeed  felt  that  he  was  but  a  wreck  of  his  former 
self ;  and  it  is  a  sad  warning  for  others  engaged  in  the 
terrible  traffic  of  rum-selling ;  for  surely  an  avenging 
God  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  who  putteth  the  bot- 
tle to  his  neighbor's  lips,  and  maketh  him  drunken. 


CHAPTEK  Y. 

S  stated  in  the  previous  chapter  I  had  left 

the  employ  of  Mr.  P ,  and  being  then 

about  twelve  years  of  age,  I  considered  my- 
self competent  to  earn  more  wages  than  I  had 
been  receiving,  and  returned  home  to  my  father's  house 
to  remain  until  an  opportunity  offered.  It  being  win- 
ter then  and  the  snow  deep  there  was  not  much  to  do 
in  the  neighborhood,  and  my  father  having  a  job  of 
cutting  wood  about  two  miles  and  a  half  from  our 
house,  it  was  proposed  that  I  should  remain  at  home 
and  assist  him  in  the  woods. 

Many  a  cold  morning  we  have  shouldered  our  axes 
and  wallowed  through  the  deep  snow,  and  finally 
reached  our  place  of  labor,  where,  toiling  all  day,  we 
accomplished  our  task,  and  then,  facing  the  cold  wind 
and  driving  snow  all  that  long  distance,  returned  to 
our  humble  habitation,  tired  and  weary  from  our  hard 
day's  labor,  where,  with  a  keen  appetite,  we  sat  down 
at  the  table  to  partake  of  the  simple  food  which  my 
dear  mother  had  prepared  for  us.  We  would  then 
retire  early  to  bed,  to  enjoy  that  refreshing  sleep  which 
none  but  those  who  work  hard  can  fully  enjoy. 

52 


A  MEMORABLE  WINTER.  53 

During  that  long  and  dreary  winter  this  was  our 
usual  routine  of  life,  and  I  can  well  recollect  how  sweet 
the  coarse  brown  bread  and  cold  meat  tasted  when 
we  sat  down  to  dinner  on  a  log  in  the  woods. 

Though  laboring  hard  to  gain  a  subsistence  amid 
the  cold  storms  and  chilling  winds,  I  can  truly  say, 
that  that  winter  is  a  bright  spot  in  my  life's  history  to 
which  I  can  look  back  with  unfeigned  pleasure ;  for 
during  that  period  of  time  we  did  not  visit  the  village, 
and  my  father  remained  sober  and  affectionate. 

Some  of  the  evenings  during  the  week  the  neighbors 
would  gather  at  our  house,  sing  songs,  play  games, 
crack  butternuts  by  the  fireside  and  enjoy  themselves, 
while  my  father,  being  a  good  story-teller,  would  add 
to  the  pleasures  of  the  evening. 

In  turn  I  would  occasionally  visit  the  neighbors,  and, 
altogether,  we  spent  our  winter  evenings  during  that 
season  in  a  pleasant  and  congenial  manner. 

The  following  spring  I  began  to  look  about  for  some^ 
thing  to  do,  and,  finally,  a  young  man  somewhat  older 
than  myself  proposed  that  we  should  go  off  some  forty 
miles  from  home  and  engage  ourselves  to  peel  bark, 
as  they  were  paying  high  wages  at  that  business.  So 
we  started  upon  foot  and  walked  the  whole  distance. 
When  we  arrived  at  our  destination  we  found  imme- 
diate employment  at  twenty-six  dollars  a  month  and 
board,  which  was  very  high  wages  for  those  times,  and 
we  considered  ourselves  fortunate. 

We  stopped  at  a  hotel  the  night  of  our  arrival,  and 
laborers  were  coming  in  from  every  direction.  They 
comprised  Irish,  Dutch,  native  born  Americans,  and 


4  A  NIGHT  IN  A  BAR-ROOM. 

the  dark-skinned  sons  of  Africa  were  also  represented. 

As  they  were  to  start  the  next  morning  for  their 
habitation  in  the  forest  twelve  miles  from  where  we 
then  were,  and  as  we  were  to  accompany  them,  an  ac- 
quaintance was  soon  formed,  while  in  order  to  enliven 
the  evening  a  violin  was  brought  in.  It  was  in  rather 
a  dilapidated  condition  and  had  but  three  strings ;  still, 
notwithstanding  these  disadvantageous  circumstances, 
one  of  the  party,  an  American,  succeeded  in  grinding 
out  some  lively  strains,  and  a  dance  was  commenced 
in  which  the  sable  sons  of  Africa  were  the  principal 
participants,  displaying  remarkable  skill  and  agility. 

While  the  music  and  the  dance  proceeded  the  whis- 
ky flowed  freely,  and  the  perspiration  ran  down  the 
dancers'  faces  in  streams,  while  their  eyes  glistened 
with  evident  satisfaction  as  they  quaffed  the  flowing 
goblet  and  tripped  the  light  fantastic  toe. 

It  was  not  until  the  short  hand  of  the  clock  pointed 
at  one,  and  the  long  hand  at  twelve  that  the  festive 
bacchanalian  orgies  of  the  evening  came  to  a  close. 
Then  the  whole  of  the  party,  taking  a  final  drink  in 
which  they  pledged  long  life,  happiness  and  fortune  to 
each  other,  all  lay  down  on  the  benches  and  floor  in 
the  bar-room,  and  placing  their  bundles  under  their 
heads  were  soon  soundly  asleep. 

After  imbibing  several  potations  in  the  morning,  the 
breakfast  bell  rang,  and,  without  respect  to  nationality  • 
or  color  we  marched  -into  the  dining-room  in  full  force, 
and  made  a  desperate  attack  upon  the  eatables  which 
disappeared  in  double  quick  time,  while  the  penurious 
landlord  looked  on  in  perfect  astonishment. 


OUR  LODGE  IN  THE  WILDERNESS.  55 

After  breakfast  we  took  up  our  line  of  march  for 
the  woods,  and  a  more  motley  crowd  it  would  be  diffi- 
cult to  find  together  even  in  Water  Street,  New  York. 
Some  of  them  had  their  pants  thrust  into  their  boots, 
while  others  had  their  shoes  tied  together  by  leather 
strings ;  others  had  crownless  hats,  and  some  wore  gar- 
ments tattered  and  torn.  Others  had  matted  hair  and 
bushy  beards. 

Taking  it  altogether,  our  uncouth-looking  party  pre- 
sented an  appearance  quite  equal  to  that  of  Sir  John 
FalstafF's  ragged  regiment  as  it  marched  through  Cov- 
entry. 

We  reached  the  woods  in  a  few  hours,  and  began  to 
build  a  cook  house  and  shanty  for  our  accommodation. 
We  did  not  commence  by  laying  a  foundation  fifteen 
feet  below  the  surface  of  the  ground,  as  they  do  when 
erecting  a  palace  on  Brooklyn  Heights  or  a  palatial 
residence  on  Fifth  Avenue,  but  began  building  by 
driving  into  the  ground  two  poles  some  fifteen  feet 
in  length,  while  a  stick  of  timber  was  laid  on  the  top 
reaching  from  one  pole  to  the  other,  and  fastened  with 
spikes ;  small  saplings  were  then  cut  and  placed  in  a 
vertical  position,  one  end  penetrating  the  ground  and 
the  other  resting  against  the  ridge-pole.  They  were 
laid  a  short  distance  apart  and  covered  with  bark. 

A  sleeping  apartment  was  formed  above  by  stretch- 
.ing  poles  across  from  one  part  of  the  shanty  to  the 
other  about  eight  feet  from  the  ground,  fastening  them 
at  each  end  with  heavy  spikes,  and  placing  loose  board 
upon  them. 

Having  supplied  ourselves  with  straw  beds  our  lodg- 


56  THE  BARK-PEELERS. 

ing  room  was  completed.  One  portion  of  the  apart- 
ment was  assigned  to  the  colored  men,  and  we  occupied 
the  balance.  A  rough  ladder  was  built,  and  a  stove 
was  brought  into  requisition  below  with  the  pipe  thrust 
through  a  hole  at  the  back  end  of  the  tent ;  arid  having 
built  a  rough  table  on  which  to  take  our  meals  our 
habitation  was  considered  complete.  If  placed  by  the 
side  of  one  of  our  aristocratic  buildings  it  would  be 
taken  for  a  dog-kennel  or  a  large-sized  hen-coop ;  but 
it  answered  our  purpose  very  well  and  sheltered  us 
from  the  storms. 

Being  supplied  with  sharp  axes  and  well-ground 
spuds  we  commenced  operations.  We  were  separated 
into  gangs  of  four  men  each  ;  two  to  fell  the  trees,  one 
to  ring  and  slit,  and  the  other  to  use  the  spu'd.  As  the 
bark  was  in  a  position  to  peel  well  we  made  consider- 
able progress  ;  and  the  sound  of  fifty  or  more  axes  re- 
verberating through  the  forest  and  along  the  mountain 
side  caused  the  wild  animals  to  leave  their  hiding-places 
and  seek  a  refuge  in  the  more  remote  wilds,  farther 
back  in  the  dense  forest  which  covered  the  deep  valley 
of  Lackawascow. 

We  would  have  enjoyed  our  labor  and  humble  fare 
had  it  not  been  for  the  millions  of  gnats  which  swarmed 
about  us,  settling  down  upon  our  hands  and  faces,  bit- 
ing us  most  unmercifully. 

The  use  of  ruin  was  strictly  prohibited  by. our  em- 
ployer, who  instructed  his  foreman  that  none  should 
be  allowed  to  any  of  us  while  in  the  woods.  However, 
an  old  woman  and  her  two  daughters  came  up,  and 
built  a  shanty  near  the  line  of  the  large  tract  of  land 


SUNDA  Y  Itf  THE  FOREST.  5T 

where  we  were  working,  and  having  stocked  it  with  a 
large  supply  of  liquors  for  our  especial  accommodation 
soon  drove  a  thriving  business. 

Sunday  being  with  us  an  idle  day,  many  of  us  resort- 
ed to  her  habitation  to  enjoy  ourselves  and  drink  to 
our  heart's  content,  and,  alas  !  I  am  sorry  to  say  that 
many  a  hard-earned  dollar  found  its  way  into  the  old 
hag's  well-filled  purse. 

We  had  established  the  principle  of  equal  rights  to 
all  in  the  matter  of  drinking,  and  he  who  could  stand 
the  greatest  quantity  of  liquor  without  becoming 
drunk,  whether  white  or  black,  commanded  the  most 
respect.  Many  a  holy  Sabbath  evening,  we  have  re- 
turned to  our  humble  habitation  in  the  woods — to  use 
an  expression  not  uncommon — thoroughly  soaked  with 
rum.  After  remaining  there  some  length  of  time  I 
found  myself  unable-  to  stand  the  hard  work.  My  ap- 
petite left  me,  and  I  subsisted  for  many  a  day  on  noth- 
ing but  bread  and  molasses.  I  wore  on  my  feet  an 
old  pair  of  cowhide  boots,  and  the  deep  creases  formed 
in  the  thick  boot-leg  chafed  my  ankles,  causing  me 
much  pain,  while  I  soon  dwindled  down  into  a  mere 
skeleton. 

My  face  was  scorched  and  browned  by  the  burning 
sun,  and  my  hands  were  blistered ;  my  clothing  was 
torn  in  shreds,  and  a  collar  and  wrist-bands  were  about 
all  that  remained  of  a  garment  which  most  men  find 
to  be  an  indispensable  article  of  clothing,  so  that  I  pre- 
sented a  picture  at  once  ludicrous  and  sorrowful. 

Could  I  have  been  supplied  with  the  wings  of  an 
eagle,  and  suddenly  alighted  on  fashionable  Broadway, 

o 


58  OUT  OF  THE  WOODS. 

the  charming,  well-rigged  damsel,  with  paste  diamonds 
and  pinch-beck  watch  and  chain,  with  hair  imported 
from  the  catacombs  of  Egypt  and  garments  resplendent 
with  all  the  colors  of  the  rainbow,  when  she  saw  me 
would  have  lifted  up  her  hands  in  astonishment  and 
exclaimed — "  Ah  !  how  horrible ;"  at  the  same  time* 
preparing  to  faint,  but  watching  the  opportunity  to 
fall  into  the  arms  of  some  highly-perfumed  young 
swell,  and  be  borne  in  his  tender  embrace  to  the  near- 
est physician. 

When  Saturday  night  came  I  informed  the  foreman 
I  could  not  remain  any  longer.  He  gave  me  an  order 
on  my  employer  for  the  money  due  me,  and  I  began 
to  make  preparations  for  leaving  that  same  night,  but 
some  of  them  urged  me  to  stay  over  Sunday  and  we 
would  have  a  joJly  time  before  I  left. 

We  were  up  bright  and  early  on  Sunday  morning, 
and  having  taken  a  bite  of  something  to  eat  started 
for  our  usual  place  of  resort,  heedless  of  the  injunctions 
contained  in  the  fourth  commandment.  When  we 
arrived  there  I  immediately  treated  all  hands.  Many 
times  during  the  day  we  drank  the  poison  down,  until 
our  reason  reeled  and  our  incoherent  utterances  plainly 
demonstrated  the  fact  that  we  were  anything  but 
sober,  and  that  night  we  all  slept  the  sleep  of  the 
drunkard. 


CHAPTEK  YL 

the  following  day  I  called  upon  my  em- 
ployer for  my  money.     He  at  first  refused 
to  pay  me,  giving  as  his  reason  that  I  was  one 
of  the  best  hands  he  had  in  the  woods,  and 
that  he  would  rather  lose  almost  any  other  one. 

He  finally  said  he  would  pay  me  if  I  promised  to 
return  upon  my  restoration  to  health,  to  which  I 
agreed;  so,  with  this  understanding,  he  gave  me  a 
draft  on  the  nearest  bank,  thirty  miles  distant.  Thank- 
ing him,  I  shouldered  my  little  bundle  and  trudged 
along  on  foot  towards  the  town  where  the  bank  was 
located. 

After  traveling  about  one  mile  and  a  hah01,  as  I  came 
in  sight  of  a  house  near  the  edge  of  a  small  piece  of 
woods,  my  ears  were  greeted  with  a  terrible  mixture 
of  sounds,  composing  swearing,  screeching  and  scream- 
ing in  several  different  tongues.  On  approaching  the 
spot  from  whence  the  melody  proceeded  I  saw  over 
the  door  the  simple  sign  "  lager  beer,"  and  while  I 
stood  transfixed  to  the  spot,  gazing  and  wondering, 
the  door  was  suddenly  burst  open,  and  through  it  sev- 


60  SIGHTS  ON  THE  ROAD. 

eral  queer-looking  specimens  of  humanity  made  a  hasty 
exit,  and  commenced  a  free  fight  which  resulted  in 
one  of  the  most  terrible  and  bloody  rough  and  tumble 
encounters  that  I  ever  saw. 

They  continued  coming  out  of  the  old  house  until 
they  numbered  about  twenty  individuals,  in  which 
several  different  nationalities  were  represented.  Some 
were  supplied  with  clubs,  others  had  axe  handles,  some 
had  knives,  while  pots,  kettles,  bottles,  tumblers,  brick- 
bats and  stones  flew  in  every  direction.  I  noticed  in 
the  crowd  one  old  woman  with  her  gray  hair  stream, 
ing  in  the  wind,  holding  above  her  head  a  large  frying- 
pan  with  which  she  dealt  many  a  hard  and  well-aimed 
blow. 

The  battle  waxed  hotter  and  hotter,  while  the  blood 
flowed  more  and  more  freely,  and  many  a  poor  wretoh 
bit  the  dust  stunned  by  heavy  blows,  only  to  renew 
the  contest  upon  recovery. 

In  the  meanwhile,  through  fear,  I  ensconced  myself 
behind  a  fence  where  I  became  an  unobserved  and 
astonished  spectator  of  the  wonderful  scene  which  had 
thus  unexpectedly  presented  itself  before  me.  And  I 
inwardly  thought  as  I  looked  upon  this  drunken  battle, 
that  if  Satan  and  all  his  imps  had  come  up  from  Pan- 
demonium, to  hold  their  infernal  conclave  over  the 
wailings  of  their  victims,  a  more  devilish  panorama 
could  not  be  presented  to  the  observation  of  the  be- 
holder. 

What  the  causa  lelli  arose  from  I  could  not  deter- 
mine. They  were  all  "  very  drunk,"  and  they  struck 
each  other  promiscuously  without  seeming  to  have  any 
other  purpose  than  to  keep  the  battle  raging. 


MY  THOUGHTFUL  HOST.  61 

After  fighting  for  a  long  time,  with  bruised  faces 
and  blackened  eyes  they  threw  down  their  arms  as  by 
mutual  consent,  and  all  re-entered  the  house.  When 
the  last  man  passed  in  the  door,  and  it  was  closed,  I 
emerged  from  my  hiding-place  and  went  on  my  way, 
hurrying  past  the  house  as  quickly  as  possible.  Though 
poor  and  unhappy,  as  I  then  was,  I  surely  did  not  en- 
vy the  condition  of  its  occupants. 

The  shades  of  night  found  me  some  distance  on  my 
road,  and  coming  about  that  time  to  a  hotel  I  concluded 
to  stay  over  night.  After  taking  two  or  three  drinks 
the  bell  rang  for  supper,  and  going  in  with  the  rest 
of  them,  feeling  tired  and  hungry,  I  did  justice  to  the 
food  placed  before  me.  The  good-natured  landlord 
happened  to  be  an  acquaintance  of  mine,  having  once 
lived  in  our  neighborhood.  So  we  spent  the  evening 
pleasantly,  cracking  jokes  and  occasionally  taking  a 
drink  (of  poison)  until  the  clock  warned  us  that  it  was 
bedtime,  when,  after  imbibing  a  parting  drink,  the 
landlord  filled  a  tumbler  full  of  whisky  for  me  to  take 
to  my  sleeping  apartment,  in  order  that  I  might  have 
my  early  morning  bitters.  I  then  retired,  and  soon 
forgot  my  troubles  in  quiet  sleep. 

On  awaking  early  next  morning,  feeling  very  thirsty 
I  reached  out  and  grasped  the  tumbler  containing  the 
whisky,  and  sitting  up  in  bed  drank  down  its  fiery 
contents.  Oh,  how  many  a  poor  drunkard  after  a 
night's  debauch  has  woke  up  in  the  morning  and, 
reaching  out  his  shaky  hand  from  under  the  blankets, 
grasped  the  goblet  to  pour  down  his  throat  the  death- 
dealing  poison,  which  would  give  him  artificial  strength 
while  it  sapped  his  very  life's  blood. 


62  DASH  DO  WN  THE  0 UP  > 

What  a  sad  thought  it  is  to  realize,  that  man,  born 
in  the  image  of  the  God  who  made  him,  endowed  with 
faculties  but  a  little  lower  than  the  angels,  will  destroy 
the  beauty  of  that  image  and  eternally  damn  that  im- 
mortal spirit,  robbing  Heaven  of  a  sparkling  jewel. 

"  Dash  down  the  cup  ;  a  poison  sleeps 

In  every  drop  thy  lips  would  drain, 
To  make  thy  life's  blood  seethe  and  leap 
A  fiery  flood  through  every  vein. 

A  fiery  flood  that  will  effac* 
By  slow  degrees,  thy  God-like  mind, 

Till  mid  its  ashes  not  a  trace 
Of  reason  shall  be  left  behind. 

Dash  down  the  cup ;  a  serpent  darts 
Beneath  the  flowers  that  crown  its  brim, 

Whose  deadly  fangs  will  strike  thy  heart, 
And  make  thy  flashing  eyes  grow  dim. 

Before  whose  hot  and  maddening  breath, 
More  fatal  than  the  Simoon's  blasts, 

Thy  manhood,  in  unhonored  death, 
Will  sink  a  worthless  wreck  at  last. 

Dash  down  the  cup ;  and  on  thy  brow, 
Though  darkened  o'er  with  many  a  stain, 

Thy  manhood's  light,  so  feeble  now, 
Shall  bright  and  steady  burn  again.    - 

Thy  soul  shall,  like  the  fabled  dove, 
From  its  own  ashes  upward  spring ; 

Till  fountains  in  thy  breast  be  stirred, 
Whose  living  waters  joy  shall  bring." 

After  breakfast  I  engaged  to  ride  with  a  farmer 
who  had  a  few  years  previously  emigrated  from  Scot- 


THE  GENEROUS  SCOTCHMAN.  63 

land.     After  treating  him  to  a  drink  we  got  on  board 

of  the  wagon,  and  started  for  the  village  of  K 

where  my  draft  was  to  be  cashed. 

Having  but  little  money  in  my  pocket  after  paying 
my  hotel  bill  I  informed  him  of  the  fact,  when  he 
ejaculated — 

"  Never  mind ;  I'll  teach  ye  how  to  travel  without 
mooney." 

It  being  a  plank  road,  much  traveled,  hotels  had 
sprung  up  only  a  fe.w  miles  apart,  and  as  they  sold 
rum  they  were  all  well  supported.  On  coming  to  the 
first  inn  he  reined  up  his  horses,  and  leaping  from  the 
wagon,  with  a  knowing  wink,  said — 

"  Coom  young  mon,  will  ye  have  a  dram  o' whisky  ?" 

To  his  invitation  I  readily  assented  ;  so  going  into 
the  house,  we  took  a  drink  together.  This  opera- 
tion was  repeated  several  times  before  we  reached 
the  village. 

Arriving  there  at  last  I  thanked  him  for  my  ride, 
and  was  about  to  bid  him  good-day,  when  he  said — 

"  Hold,  young  mon  ;  ye  are  a  fine  laddie  ;  hae  ye  not 
traveled  weil  without  mooney  ?  " 

I  acknowledged  his  generosity,  and,  pulling  off  my 
old  hat,  bowed  respectfully  to  him  and  went  on  my 
way. 

Presenting  my  draft  and  letter  at  the  bank,  the 
cashier  peered  through  his  glasses  over  his  desk,  eye- 
ing me  from  head  to  feet,  and  I  thought  I  discovered 
a  smile  playing  upon  his  features;  for  my  personal 
appearance  would  cause  even  the  reader  to  smile  could 
he  have  seen  me.  I  wore  the  same  old  boots  and  rag- 


64  A  WONDERFUL  TRANSFORMATION. 

ged  garments  that  I  had  on  when  in  the  woods  ;  but 
the  letter  disarming  all  suspicion,  he  counted  me  out 
the  money.  I  thanked  him  and  left  the  bank,  and  as 
quickly  as  possible  found  a  ready-made  clothing  estab- 
lishment which  I  entered,  and,  after  a  long  parley, 
struck  up  a  bargain  for  a  suit  of  black  clothes.  Hav- 
ing replaced  the  wristband  and  collar  with  a  nice  new 
shirt,  I  threw  off  my  old  garments  and  donned  my 
new  suit,  feeling  that  with  a  few  other  necessary  arti- 
cles I  would  present  quite  a  respectable  appearance. 

The  next  place  I  visited  was  a  boot  and  shoe  store, 
where  I  procured  a  pair  of  new  calfskin  boots.  Then 
going  to  a  hat  store  I  obtained  a  new  hat,  and,  last 
but  not  least,  my  steps  led  me  towards  the  barber's 
shop,  where  I  got  my  hair  nicely  trimmed.  Then 
flattering  myself  that,  with  the  requisite  graces,  I 
might  be -taken  for  a  young  clergyman  just  emerged 
from  college,  I  stepped  exultingly  down  the  street. 
Could  the  old,  good-natured  Scotchman  have  then  met 
me  he  would  not  have  believed  that  I  was  the  "  lad- 
die "  of  a  few  hours  before. 

Feeling  quite  dignified  I  would  not  stoop  so  low  as 
to  enter  a  common  groggery  to  procure  a  drink,  but 
went  to  the  first  hotel  in  town,  where,  stepping  up  to 
the  bar  with  head  elevated  and  shoulders  thrown  back, 
I  called  for  a  glass  of  the  best  brandy,  and  drank  it 
with  as  much  importance  as  though  I  was  a  member 
of  Congress.  I  then  took  my  bundle  in  my  hand, 
and  walked  down  to  the  river  with  as  much  pomp  as 
though  I  was  going  to  attend  the  marriage  of  a  king. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

'TEPPING  on  board  of  a  steamer  that  lay 
at   the  wharf,  I  was  soon  on  my  way  up  the 
river  for  home,  where  I  arrived  about  dark. 
My  mother  was  glad  to  see  me,  and  my  sister 
ran  to  meet  me  at  the  door. 

After  getting  considerably  recruited,  it  being  then 

about  haying  time,  Mr.  W came  to  see  if  I  would 

not  help  him  in  haying,  and  I  agreed  to  do  so,  for  my 
mother  did  not  wish  me  to  go  back  to  the  woods  again. 

Mr.  W being  a  hard-working  man,   thought    a 

youngster  of  my  age  ought  to  mow  as  much  as  a 
strong  man ;  and,  trying  to  do  as  much  work  as  any 
other  hand  in  his  employ  at  mowing,  I  injured  my- 
self, and  was  in  consequence  laid  upon  a  bed  of 
sickness  from  which  I  did  not  recover  for  many  long 
and  weary  weeks. 

When  able  to  get  around  again  I  was  obliged  to  go 
to  the  village  with  a  basket  on  my  arm  to  get  some 
fish,  for  my  father  was  off  some  distance  in  the  woods 
burning  coal.  When  about  half  way  to  the  village  I 
was  met  by  a  young  man  somewhat  older  than  myself 

65 


66  HOME  AGAIN— A  LONG  ILLNESS, 

who,  knowing  that  I  had  a  drunken  father,  took  the 
liberty  to  abuse  me,  and  threw  me  heavily  upon  the 
ground.  After  lying  there  some  time,  feeling  weak,  I 
finally  managed  to  regain  my  feet  and  proceeded  on 
to  the  village,  purchased  my  fish,  and  with  much  ef- 
fort, as  the  distance  was  long,  carried  them  home. 

The  injury  I  had  received  from  being  thrown  down 
by  this  notorious  scamp  soon  became  apparent,  and  I 
was  again  confined  to  my  bed.  My  mother  thought 
my  fall  had  injured  me  internally,  and  a  physician  was 
summoned,  who  thought  my  case  critical,  and  applied 
blisters  to  different  parts  of  my  body.  My  father  was 
sent  for,  and  without  hesitation  he  came  quickly  to  my 
bedside. 

Learning  what  was  the  cause  of  my  sickness,  he 
started  immediately  for  Mr.  W—  —  B  house  and  told 
him  what  his  son  had  done,  and  further,  that  if  I  did 
not  recover  he  should  hold  him  responsible.  Mr. 

M said  he  was  sorry  that  his  son  had  done  so,  and 

that  he  would  punish  him  severely,  which  I  presume 
he  did,  for  he  never  troubled  me  again. 

Having  a  kind  mother  to  minister  to  my  wants  I  in 
time  got  better.  The  autumn  had  then  set  in,  and  as 
winter  was  not  far  distant  I  concluded  to  remain  at 
home.  There  was  a  great  deal  of  snow  upon  the 
ground  that  winter,  and  horses,  cattle,  sleds  and  shov- 
els were  brought  into  frequent  requisition  to  keep  the 
roads  open,  and  as  so  much  snow  had  fallen  but  little 
work  could  be  done  in  the  woods.  My  father  had  laid 
in  quite  a  stock  of  provisions,  and,  with  a  large  wood 
pile  in  front  of  the  door,  and  a  good  large  fire-place  in 


THE  ASSOCIATIONS  OF  MY  YOUTH.  67 

the  old  house,  though  bleak  and  cold  as  it  was,  we 
considered  ourselves  fortunate  in  being  so  comfortably 
provided  for. 

My  time  was  principally  spent  in  visiting  the  neigh- 
bors' houses  with  the  other  youths  of  my  age,  and 
drinking  cider,  playing  games,  and  smoking  pipes. 
Could  I  have  then  seen  things  as  I  now  see  them,  in- 
stead of  spending  the  precious  moments  of  life  in  drink- 
ing, smoking  and  card-playing,  I  would  have  laid  by  a 
store  of  knowledge,  which,  at  the  present  time,  would 
cause  me  to  look  backward  to  those  days  with  pleasure 
instead  of  pain.  But  my  associations  were  of  such  a 
character  that,  being  continually  in  the  company  of  the 
intemperate  and  uneducated,  I  was  not  privileged  to 
drink  of  the  pure  fountain  of  wisdom  which  many  oth- 
er lads  were  then  enjoying. 

And  now,  in  my  sober  moments,  when  I  see  young 
men  frequenting  billiard  saloons,  smoking  and  drink- 
ing in  grog  shops,  and  standing  on  the  corners  of  streets 
idly  wasting  precious  time,  that  which  can  never  be 
regained,  I  feel  as  though  I  would  like  to  point  them 
to  the  end  of  the  course  they  are  pursuing.  If  they 
could  realize  that  only  those  who  plant  in  spring-time 
reap  the  golden  harvest  and  garner  up  health  and  hap- 
piness for  the  winter  of  age,  how  soon  would  they  leave 
their  course  of  idleness  and  seek  a  life  of  industry  and 
usefulness. 

Think  of  this,  young  man,  now  in  the  days  of  your 
strength  and  youthful  vigor  ;  ponder  well  the  fact  that 
precious  time  was  given  us  for  useful  labor,  and  that 
every  moment  we  allow  to  pass  without  doing  some- 


68  WASTED  HOURS. 

thing  to  mark  its  progress  is  lost  forever.  Lost  wealth 
may  be  restored  by  industry  ;  the  wreck  of  health  re- 
gained by  temperance  ;  alienated  friendship  smoothed 
into  forgetfulness ;  even  forfeited  reputation  itself  won 
by  penitence  and  virtue  ;  but  who  ever  again  looked 
upon  his  vanished  hours,  recalled  his  slighted  years, 
stamped  them  with  wisdom,  or  effaced  from  Heaven's 
record  the  fearful  blot  of  wasted  time  ? 

In  the  present  age,  supplied  as  it  is  with  literature 
and  free  libraries,  young  men  can  acquire  a  practical 
education  and  fit  themselves  for  the  various  walks  of 
life.  And  with  free  education,  liberty  of  speech  and 
freedom  of  the  press,  a  young  man,  though  born  in 
obscurity  and  cradled  in  the  lap  of  poverty,  can,  in 
America  I  am  proud  to  say,  prepare  himself,  by  perse- 
verance and  integrity,  to  hold  the  highest  office  in  our 
nation's  gift. 

From  our  institutions  of  learning  have  emanated 
many  bright  stars  in  our  nation's  galaxy  who  did  not 
throw  away  their  opportunities  for  acquiring  knowledge 
through  vicious  habits  of  intemperance,  or  waste  their 
precious  time  in  billiard  halls  or  company  of  the  gay 
and  thoughtless  as,  sad  to  relate,  many  young  men,  at 
the  present  day,  who  are  blessed  with  the  same  educa- 
tional advantages  are  in  the  habit  of  doing. 

We  have  also  seen  those  in  our  land  occupying  en- 
viable positions,  who  have  never  entered  the  doors  of 
the  Yale,  the  Harvard,  the  Dartmouth,  the  Williams, 
or  the  Brown  University,  but  who  have  arisen  from 
the  humblest  condition  of  life,  and,  having  fought  then 
way  upwards  with  indomitable  courage  and  persever- 


A  SHORT  SERMON.  69 

ance,  improving  every  moment  of  time  while  laboring 
under  many  difficulties,  have  gone  down  to  the  grave 
leaving  honored  names  upon  the  pages  of  our  country's 
history.  The  race  is  not  always  to  the  swift  nor  the 
battle  to  the  strong ;  so,  reader,  no  matter  what  your 
condition  in  life  may  be,  do  not  give  up  in  despair  but 
improve  the  golden  opportunities  that  God  has  given 
you,  and  let  this  be  your  motto,  "  I  will  by  the  help  of 
God  do  my  ~best" 

If  you  are  a  drunkard,  reform  at  once.  You  can  do 
it.  If  you  are  indolent,  remember  that  drowsiness 
will  clothe  a  man  with  rags.  If  you  are  poor  in  this 
world's  goods,  take  courage,  for  from  these  conditions 
•have  arisen  many  of  our  celebrated  public  men.  Rely 
upon  the  promise  of  God  and  persevere  in  well-doing. 

The  peace  of  mind  only  found  in  the  path  of  rectitude, 
and  the  approving  smile  of  God  are  of  more  value  than 
wealth  or  fame.  You  may  have  sorrows  that  are  hard 
to  bear,  but  this  is  the  common  lot  of  all ;  let  them  not 
cause  you  to  repine  or  despond,  but  use  them  as  stim- 
ulants to  hopeful,  earnest  exertion.  Many  can  truly 
say,  "  It  is  good  for  me  that  I  have  been  afflicted  ;  it 
has  inspired  me  with  higher  aims  and  nobler  ambition 
to  suffer,  dare  and  do." 

"  Lives  of  great  men  all  remind  us 
We  can  make  our  own  sublime,, 
And  departing  leave  behind  us 
Foot-prints  in  the  sands  of  time. 

Foot-prints  which  perhaps  some  other, 
Sailing  o'er  Life's  stormy  main, 
Some  forlorn  and  ship-wrecked  brother 
Seeing  may  take  heart  again." 


TO  SELF-MADE  MEN. 

History  tells  us  that  Homer  the  prince  of  poets  was 
once  a  beggar ;  Christopher  Columbus  was  a  weaver ; 
Sir  Francis  Drake  was  a  shepherd  boy ;  ^Esop,  the 
immortal  author  of  the  fables  which  bear  his  name,  was 
once  a  slave ;  Lord  Teuterdon,  one  of  England's  great- 
est judges,  was  the  son  of  a  hair-dresser,  and  when  a 
boy  he  helped  his  father  in  his  humble  trade ;  Cardinal 
Wolsey  was  a  butcher's  boy ;  Rawlins,  one  of  the  great- 
est historians  of  the  nineteenth  century,  was  a  common 
day  laborer ;  Curran,  the  Demosthenes  of  Ireland,  was 
the  son  of  a  poor  man  in  the  county  of  Cork ;  Horace 
.Greeley  was  a  poor  printer  of  Poultney  ;  J.  Gordon 
Bennett  was  said  to  have  found  his  first  sixpence  in- 
the  streets  of  New  York ;  N.  P.  Banks  was  a  bobbin 
boy ;  Henry  Wilson  -was  a  shoemaker ;  General  Grant 
was  a  poor  tanner ;  Abraham  Lincoln  was  born  in  a 
log  cabin  and  split  rails  for  a  living ;  Andrew  Johnson 
boasts  that  he  was  a  tailor,  and  that  no  better  tailor 
could  be  found  in  all  Tennessee. 

On  one  occasion,  when  Mr.  Lincoln  was  urged  to 
furnish  wine  to  distinguished  guests,  he  replied  in  the 
noble  spirit  of  his  manhood — 

"  Gentlemen,  I  never  drink  wine  and  I  cannot  fur- 
nish it  now  ;  but  if  you  wish  to  drink  my  health  we 
will  drink  it  in  a  glass  6T  pure  cold  water." 

Had  Johnson  had  the  same  moral  courage  he  would 
not  at  his  inauguration  have  caused  our  nation  to  blush 
with  shame. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

the  whole  of  the  winter  last  spoken 
of  I  remained  at  home,  and  my  father  and  my- 
self occasionally  rode  to  the  village  with  Mr. 
and  others  of  our  neighbors.  My  father  had 
good  credit  at  all  the  places  where  rum  was  sold  in  the 
village,  and  could  always  get  plenty  to  drink  whether 
he  had  the  money  or  not.  When  he  entered  the  town 
the  rummies  would  all  flock  around  him,  expecting 
him  as  a  matter  of  course  to  treat ;  and  such  an 
uncouth-looking  set  of  men  as  followed  at  his  heels  it 
would  be  hard  to  imagine. 

Among  the  crowd  was  to  be  found  the  long-faced 
sanctimonious-looking  deacon,  whose  tombstone  coun- 
tenance gave  the  impressioixthat  he  had  lived  for  years 
in  the  necropolis  of  the  clouds.  Also  the  jolly-faced 
squire,  ever  ready  to  take  a  drink  when  invited,  or 
crack  a  joke  in  order  to  get  one.  Next  came  the  vil- 
lage lawyer,  with  his  witty  sayings  and  rum-blossomed 
nose,  tossing  oft*  his  glass  with  the  air  of  a  man  of 
importance.  Then  the  wire-pulling  politician  talking 

71 


FATHERS  FIUEXD& 

knowingly  of  his  inalienable  rights  as  an  American 
citizen,  and  criticising  the  administration  with  a  know- 
ing wink. 

With  this  bacchanalian  crowd  would  be  seen  the 
hard-working  farmer  in  his  homespun  suit  of  brown, 
telling  of  the  large  amount  of  corn  he  had  raised,  and 
the  fat  hogs  he  had  killed ;  being  too  stingy  to  buy 
rum  himself  he  would  wait  patiently  for  some  one  to 
treat.  Conspicuous  among  all  was  the  smooth-tongued 
horse  jockey,  with  his  eye  peeled,  ready  to  strike  up  a 
trade  with  the  farmers  and  cheat  them  if  he  could. 

Then  last,  but  not  least,  came  the  large  body  of  loaf- 
ers who  are  always  to  be  found  frequenting  bar-rooms, 
their  little  children  at  home  crying  for  bread,  while  in 
tatters  and  rags  they  proved  a  curse  to  themselves  and 
a  disgrace  to  the  community  in  which  they  lived.  In 
this  crowd  I  received  those  instructions  which  paved  in 
a  great  measure  my  course  in  life. 

Upon  town  meeting  days  such  characters  came  in 
from  all  directions  to  cast  their  votes,  and  many  a  poor 
drunkard  on  such  occasions  sold  his  vote  for  a  glass  of 
rum — rum  being  freely  used  to  bribe  voters.  Before 
night  drunken  people  were  very  plenty,  and  the  day 
was  usually  wound  up  with  a  grand  fight,  which  was 
considered  indispensable  to  the  close  of  any  great  occa- 
sion in  the  village. 

There  were  then  four  hotels  in  that  village,  besides 
the  low  groggeries,  dispensing  rum  freely ;  and  it  may 
not  be  uninteresting  to  the  reader  to  know  what 
became  of  some  of  these  rum^ellers. 

The  oldest  one  had  a  very  promising  son,  but  he 


FATE  OF  THE  RUMSELLERS.  73 

drank  deeply,  and  his  reason  became  dethroned.  One 
of  the  other  rumsellers,  in  a  fit  of  desperation,  cut  his 
throat  from  ear  to  ear.  The  family  of  another  became 
broken  up  and  scattered  through  his  intemperate  hab- 
its ;  and  the  proprietor  of  the  largest  hotel  hung  him- 
self one  cold  night  to  the  post  of  his  bedstead,  where 
he  was  found  in  the  morning. 

I  happened  to  be  in  the  hotel  the  morning  he  was 
carried  down  from  his  room  a  lifeless  corpse,  and  the 
scene  made  a  great  impression  on  my  mind  at  the  time. 
Could  some  one  who  is  now  dispensing  the  poison  to 
his  fellowmen  have  looked  upon  that  lifeless  lump  of 
clay  and  considered  his  untimely  end,  would  he  not 
pause  in  his  murderous  career  ?  Verily,  as  the  Scrip- 
tures tell  us,  the  way  of  transgressors  is  hard. 

Although  the  rum  seller  may  prosper  for  a  time  in 
his  nefarious  business,  and  his  eyes  stick  out  with 
fatness,  yet,  as  true  as  there  is  a  God  in  Heaven,  that 
God  will  bring  down  vengeance  upon  his  head,  and  he 
will  find  at  last  that  it  is  a  fearful  thing  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  living  God. 

If  the  rumseller  could,  by  some  chicanery,  crowd  his 
way  through  the  gates  of  Heaven  and  behold  there  the 
purity  around  him,  and  then  be  permitted  to  look  back 
again  to  earth  and  view  the  terrible  work  he  had  done, 
while  contrasting  his  own  wretched  life  with  those 
around  him,  he  would  find  Heaven  to  be  more  intoler- 
able than  the  deepest  pit  in  hell. 

Another  man  who  kept  a  hotel  on  the  mountain 
came  to  a  very  sad  end.  He  was  opposed  to  Mr.  Lin- 
coln's administration,  and  when  he  heard  that  the  pres- 


74  A  REMARKABLE  CIRCUMSTANCE. 

ident  was  shot  remarked  that  he  was  d glad  of  it. 

Then  leaping  into  his  wagon  he  started  down  the 
mountain  on  his  way  to  our  county  seat,  but  was 
never  permitted  to  see  the  end  of  his  journey. 

His  horse  became  frightened,  and,  wheeling  around 
with  the  quickness  of  thought,  threw  him  over  a  steep 
cliff.  He  struck  his  head  against  a  sharp  stone  at  the 
very  spot  where  the  ball  entered  the  president's  brain, 
and  was  instantly  killed.  This  may  seem  incredible, 
but  is  nevertheless  strictly  true.  The  sudden  manner 
of  his  death  caused  considerable  excitement  in  the  cir- 
cle in  which  he  moved. 

Should  any  young  man  embarking  on  the  sea  of  life 
choose  for  his  business  that  of  rumselling,  let  him  pon- 
der well  the  fate  of  these  men,  and  then  judge  whether 
in  the  end  his  business  will  pay  or  not. 

The  height  of  my  ambition  was  at  that  time  to 
become  a  bar-tender ;  for  when  I  saw  other  young  men 
of  my  own  age  standing  behind  the  bar  dealing  out 
rum  to  their  customers,  with  their  hair  nicely  combed 
and  their  sleeves  rolled  up,  I  envied  their  position,  and 
would  have  been  willing  to  sacrifice  anything  that  I 
might  engage  in  the  same  calling. 

The  following  summer  the  opportunity  was  offered 
me  for  one  day  only.  One  of  the  hotels  having 
changed  hands,  the  new  proprietor  engaged  me  for  the 
Fourth  of  July  to  help  tend  bar. 

In  the  morning,  when  I  took  my  station  behind  the 
counter,  no  young  man  living  could  have  felt  more 
proud  of  his  position,  and  I  would  not  have  exchanged 
it  for  the  presidency  of  the  United  States. 


CHAPTEE    IX. 

winter  season  referred  to  in  my  last  chap- 
ter, was  not  barren  in  interesting  incidents  in 
my  life.  Some  were  painful ;  others  of  a  pleas- 
ant nature.  I  occasionally  visited  the  village 
with  my  father,  as  I  said  in  the  foregoing  pages,  which 
tended  to  relieve  the  monotony  of  an  idle  life.  Upon 
such  occasions  I  invariably  drank  freely. 

When  no  opportunity  offered  for  me  to  ride  to  the 
village,  I  would  often,  in  company  with  several  of  my 
youthful  acquaintances,  resort  to  some  places  in  the 
neighborhood  where  cider  was  plenty.  We  were  gen- 
erally furnished  with  all  we  could  drink,  and,  it  being 
possessed  of  a  good  deal  of  strength,  we  generally  felt 
its  effects.  Many  times  we  were  quite  boisterous  after 
drinking  freely. 

One  night  in  particular,  I  remember  going  into  a 
cellar  with  another  young  man,  and  drinking  a  large 
amount  of  cider.  We  then  started  through  the  woods 
to  visit  a  house  some  two  miles  distant,  where  we 
drank  cider  again,  and  then  started  for  home.  It 

75 


76  A  LITTLE  TOO  MUCH  CIDER. 

seemed  to  have  a  powerful  effect  upon  us,  and,  with 
few  exceptions,  I  have  never  been  more  intoxicated  in 
my  life. 

How  we  got  home  that  night  I  can  scarcely  tell ;  1 
have  a  faint  recollection  that  the  door  was  fastened, 
and,  for  fear  of  disturbing  my  father  and  mother  I 
undertook  to  get  in  at  a  back  window.  As  near  as  I 
can  calculate,  I  pulled  off  my  boots  in  the  deep  snow, 
losing  my  hat  at  the  same  time  ;  then,  working  myself 
through  the  window,  I  got  into  bed,  where  I  found 
myself  next  morning. 

On  rising,  I  found  to  my  utter  astonishment  that  I 
had  no  hat  or  boots  to  put  on.  They  were  afterwards 
found  in  the  snow ;  and  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
if  the  attempt  was  ever  again  made  to  get  into  the  win- 
dow, it  should  be  done  with  my  hat  and  boots  on. 

My  head  ached  all  that  day  and  the  next,  and,  feel- 
ing miserable,  I  solemnly  vowed  in  my  own  mind 
never  to  drink  so  much  cider  again. 

Soon  after  this  I  went  some  six  miles  to  visit  a  fam- 
ily. Mr.  E had  once  held  quite  a  high  position ;" 

his  intelligence,  which  was  above  mediocrity,  made 
his  conversation  very  interesting.  But  while  connected 
with  his  office  he  had  contracted  the  habit  of  drinking 
to  excess.  He  was  a  noble-hearted  man,  and  no  needy 
person  ever  went  empty  from  his  door. 

His  wife  was  of  a  generous  disposition,  and  had  a 
warm  heart ;  an  idea  of  being  penurious  had  never, 
probably,  entered  her  mind.  As  a  wife  and  mother 
she  was  a  model  woman.  One  of  her  sons  subse- 
quently married  my  sister. 


"  6/O  IT  DOLLY."  77 

The  afternoon  after  my  arrival  the  old  gentleman 
proposed  that  we  should  go  down  to  the  nearest  hotel, 
which  we  accordingly  did ;  and,  as  a  matter  of  course, 
we  drank  together  for  some  time,  until  we  both  began 
to  feel  rich.  The  first  thing  I  knew  he  began  to  pull 
large  quantities  of  silver  from  his  pocket  and  throw  it 
around  the  bar-room,  as  you  would  scatter  grain.  I 
gathered  up  the  coin  and  put  it  in  my  own  pocket,  and, 
upon  going  to  his  house  that  night,  gave  it  all  to  his 
wife. 

About  this  time  a  revival  broke  out  in  the  little 
Methodist  Church  in  our  neighborhood,  and  people  be- 
gan to  flock  from  all  directions  to  attend.  Some  would 
come  for  a  good  purpose,  and  some  to  make  sport ;  in 
the  evening  there  would  be  a  mixture  of  all  classes. 

Sometimes,  on  the  way  home  from  the  village,  not 
a  few  would  stop  to  attend  the  meeting,  and  among 

that  number  was  Mr.  W ,  my  former  employer. 

He  was  not  in  a  condition,  usually,  to  attend  Such  a 
place,  and  most  always  intoxicated ;  and  he  would  some- 
times disturb  the  meeting  by  conversing  in  a  loud  tone 
during  the  service. 

One  time,  in  particular,  I  remember  he  sat  down  by 

the  side  of  Mr.  B ,  and  in  a  loud  tone  began  to 

talk  about  pulling  stumps. 

"Why,"  said  he,  "  I  jest  went  into  the  field  with  old 
Doll,  and,  hitching  her  to  the  stump,  I  would  jest 
raise  up  my  hand,  and  holler,  <  Go  it,  Dolly/  and  out 
would  come  the  old  stump.  That's  so,  Jake,"  continued 
he,  at  the  same  time  bringing  his  fist  down  on  the 
bench. 


T8  A  REVIVAL  OF  RELIGION. 

His  friend  at  his  side  would  move  farther  from  him, 
in  order  to  avoid  his  incoherent  conversation  ;  but  this 
only  made  matters  worse,  for  he  would  then  speak  out 
much  louder.  Finally  the  minister  stopped  short  in 
his  address,  and  said— 

"  When  that  gentleman  gets  through  his  conversa- 
tion we  will  be  prepared  to  go  on  with  the  meeting." 

"  Oh,"  said  he,  "  never  mind ;  go  ahead,  Colonel 
Crockett;"  much  to  the  discomfiture  of  the  worthy 
minister,  who  had  no  other  desire  than  to  save  souls. 

Finally  Mr.  S ,  a  member  of  the  church,  and  a 

man  much  respected  by  every  one,  laid  his  hand  gently 
upon  his  shoulder,  and  persuaded  him  to  leave  the 
meeting. 

The  servants  of  God  were  not  discouraged,  but  con- 
tinued the  meetings,  and  were  soon  rewarded  by  seeing 
a  few  come  to  the  altar,  while  others,  profiting  by  their 
example,  followed  also.  Among  that  number  was  my 
own  mother,  and  a  tear  gathered  in  my  eye  when  I 
saw  her  start ;  for  though  bad  at  heart  as  I  was,  yet  I 
loved  my  mother,  and  thought  more  of  her  welfare 
than  of  my  own. 

The  next  night  I  went  again  as  usual,  and  just  as 
meeting  had  commenced  the  minister  came  down  the 
aisle,  shouting,  "  Glory  to  God,"  and  singing  the  beau- 
tiful hymn— 

"  Come,  ye  sinners  poor  and  needy, 

Weak  and  wounded,  sick  and  sore ; 
Jesus  ready  stands  to  save  you, 
Full  of  pity,  love,  and  power." 

As  he  reached  the  place  where  I  stood  he  held  out 
his  hand  towards  me,  and  I  involuntarily  laid  mine  in 


"  COME  TO  JESUS."  79 

his ;  pressing  my  hand  tenderly,  looking  at  me  earnest- 
ly in  the  face,  with  his  rich,  sweet  voice  he  finished  up 
the  hymn,  singing — 

"He  is  able,  he  is  willing, 
He  is  able,  doubt  no  more." 

This  made  a  powerful  impression  on  my  mind.  My 
heart  came  to  my  throat,  and  the  cold  perspiration 
stood  upon  my  brow,  while  the  tears  rolled  down  my 
cheek,  dropping  upon  our  clasped  hands  as  he  asked — 

"Do  you  love  Jesus?" 

He  then  said — 

"  I  love  you,  and  Jesus  loves  you  too.  He  is  wait- 
ing to  receive  you.  "Will  you  come  and  drink  of  the 
water  of  life  freely?" 

He  returned  to  his  desk,  offered  up  a  fervent  prayer, 
and  gave  an  invitation  for  those  who  wished  to  serve 
God  and  get  to  Heaven  to  come  forward  to  the  altar, 
and  commenced  singing  the  beautiful  hymn — 

"  There  is  a  fountain  filled  with  blood 

Drawn  from  Emanuel's  veins ; 
And  sinners  plunged  beneath  that  flood 
Lose  all  their  guilty  stains." 

It  seemed  as  if  the  power  of  God  had  settled  down 
upon  me,  and  that  moment  I  felt  the  need  of  a  Saviour, 
and,  without  one  moment's  hesitation,  was  the  first 
one  to  leave  my  seat  to  go  up  to  the  altar.  When  the 
Christian  people  saw  me  going,  they  shouted,  "  Glory 
to  God,"— "Blessed  be  His  holy  name,"— " Hallelu- 
jah,"— "  Amen," — and  then  began  to  sing — 

"  The  dying  thief  rejoiced  to  see 

That  fountain  in  his  day ; 
And  there  may  I,  though  vile  as  he, 
Wash  all  my  sins  away." 


80  FROM  DARKNESS  INTO  LIGHT. 

Kneeling  at  the  altar,  I  covered  my  face  with  my 
hands,  and  the  scalding  tears  trickled  between  my  fin- 
gers ;  but  they  were  tears  of  penitence,  and  gushed  up 
from  the  deep  fountain  of  my  heart.  It  seemed  to 
make  a  deep  impression  upon  the  other  young  men 
present,  and  one  by  one  they  began  to  come  to  the 
altar,  until  it  was  crowded  to  overflowing. 

When  mothers  saw  their  sons  going,  it  touched  their 
hearts,  and  with  trembling  hands  they,  too,  knelt  by 
the  side  of  their  children  to  seek  the  Saviour. 

The  fathers  held  out  as  long  as  they  could,  until, 
groaning  in  spirit,  while  their  tears  flowed  thick  and 
fast,  God  sent  the  arrow  of  conviction  to  their  hearts, 
and,  nerving  themselves  for  the  conflict,  they  rushed 
to  the  altar  to  seek  forgiveness  for  their  sins. 

There  must  have  been  rejoicing  in  Heaven  to  see 
father  and  son,  mother  and  daughter,  kneeling  togeth- 
er around  the  same  altar,  pleading  for  mercy.  Earnest 
prayers  were  offered,  and  that  very  night  light  began 
to  break  through  the  murky  darkness,  and  Jesus  spoke 
to  the  troubled  soul  in  that  still,  small  voice,  saying, 
"  Peace  be  still.  Thy  sins  which  are  many  are  all 
forgiven  thee;"  some,  rising  from  their  knees,  sang 
hymns  of  praise. 

I  have  reason  to  believe,  that  during  that  revival 
many  souls  were  converted,  and  it  proved  a  great  bless- 
ing to  our  neighborhood.  For  my  own  part,  I  felt 
that  I  had  been  changed  from  darkness  unto  light, 
and  from  the  power  of  Satan  unto  God,  and  I  endeav- 
ored to  walk  in  the  fear  of  God. 


CHAPTEE  X. 

spring  came  I  engaged  to  work  for 

E r,   who  was   a  pious   man.      My 

work  consisted  of  burning  brush,  and  plowing 
a  new  piece  of  land  with  a  yoke  of  cattle.  It 
proved  very  hard  work  for  me,  for  the  ground  was  rough 
and  stony,  while  the  plough,  striking  against  a  root, 
would  nearly  throw  me  off  of  my  feet.  The  cattle  were 
not  very  well  broken  in,  and  my  patience  was  exceed- 
ingly tried. 

Under  such  circumstances  I  forgot  my  profession  of 
religion,  and  began  to  swear  at  the  cattle  like  a  pirate. 
My  heart  became  hardened,  and  I  soon  found  myself 
as  wicked  as  before.  Some  of  my  companions  who 
started  at  the  same  time  in  the  good  way  had  also 
backslidden.  Oh  !  the  deceitfulness  of  sin.  Satan  is 
ever  ready  to  pounce  upon  his  victim,  and  when  once 
the  young  convert  yields  to  his  seductive  influence 
nothing  but  the  powerful  hand  of  the  Almighty  can 
turn  the  poor  sinner  from  his  grasp. 

Young  man,  how  stands  this  matter  with  you  ?  Have 
you  entered  the  path  of  rectitude  ?     Do  you  feel  that 
4*  81 


82  AN  A  CCIDENT  AND  THE  RESULT. 

you  are  blessed  with  God's  approving  smile  ?  If  so, 
resist  the  adversary  of  your  soul,  falter  not  in  your 
good  resolution,  but  with  a  steady  step  and  your  eye 
upon  the  Cross,  press  on  like  a  true  and  faithful  soldier, 
remembering  that  Jesus  is  your  Captain. 

After  working  a  short  time  for  Mr.  E ,  I  left 

him,  and  engaged  to  work  upon  a  farm  for  Mr.  M . 

Nothing  of  much  importance  transpired  excepting  that 
I  returned  to  my  old  habit,  and  drank  whisky  wrhen 
the  opportunity  offered  as  freely  as  ever. 

I  worked  for  him  a  while,  until  one  day  while  plough- 
ing in  the  field  in  company  with  Mr.  M we  drove 

the  horses  upon  a  slippery  rock,  when  one  of  them  lost 
his  foothold,  fell  heavily  upon  his  side,  and  broke  his 
leg. 

Though  it  was  not  through  my  carelessness  the  acci- 
dent happened,  yet  I  felt  grieved  about  it,  and  imme- 
diately told  Mr.  M that  if  my  life  must  be  spent 

toiling  upon  a  farm,  I  should  seek  some  section  where 
rocks  were  not  so  plenty. 

Finding  me  determined  not  to  remain  he  paid  me 
my  wages,  and,  bidding  him  good-bye,  I  went  immedi- 
ately to  my  father's  house.  Mr.  M was  a  good 

Christian  man,  and  seemed  inclined  to  be  anxious  for 
my  welfare.  The  last  thing  he  said  to  me  was — 

"  George,  whenever  you  want  work  come  to  me." 

I  was  never  permitted  to  look  upon  his  face  again, 
for  shortly  afterwards  I  learned  of  his  death. 

Shortly  after  I  left  him  the  fourth  of  July  spoken 
of  in  the  last  chapter  came,  when,  as  stated,  the  oppor- 
tunity was  given  me  to  tend  bar  for  that  day.  The 


GOOD-BYE  TO  HONK  83 

position  I  thought  to  be  a  great  honor,  and  with  evi- 
dent pride  I  waited  upon  the  thirsty  customers  as  they 
crowded  around  the  bar.  Many  a  sixpence  I  took  from 
the  trembling  drunkard,  giving  him  in  exchange  the 
poison  which  was  fast  eating  up  his  vitals. 

The  town  was  filled  with  pleasure  seekers.  Whole 
families  came,  some  in  lumber  wagons  drawn  by  a 
yoke  of  cattle,  others  in  more  stylish  equipments,  while 
many  a  pedestrian  wended  his  way  to  town.  Amid 
the  explosion  of  fire-crackers,  the  thundering  of  the 
cannon,  the  music  of  the  fife  and  drum,  speech-making, 
eating,  drinking  and  fighting,  the  day  was  spent. 

When  the  shades  of  night  came  on,  with  empty  pock- 
ets and  battered  heads,  drunk  and  noisy,  the  revelers 
turned  their  faces  towards  home.  Some  not  being 
satisfied  remained  in  the  bar-rooms  and  drinking-places 
until  long  after  midnight,  and  then  went  noisily  through 
the  streets  like  a  pack  of  wolves,  howling,  cursing  and 
swearing. 

What  a  great  contrast  between  these  men  celebrating 
the  fourth  day  of  July,  and  that  sedate  body  who, 
struggling  for  American  liberty,  met  in  the  old  Court 
House  in  Philadelphia,  and,  invoking  the  Divine  favor 
of  God  upon  their  proceedings,  boldly  placed  their 
names  upon  that  precious  document — The  Declaration 
of  Independence. 

Having  made  up  my  mind  to  leave  that  part  of  the 
country  I  gathered  together  about  fourteen  dollars,  and, 
bidding  my  friends  good-bye,  left  with  a  heavy  heart, 
to  battle  alone  against  a  depraved  appetite  and  a  cold, 
unfeeling  world. 


8  4:  EXPERIENCES  A  T  A  LEA  NY. 

Going  down  to  the  village  of  C ,  with  a  small 

trunk  which  contained  all  my  earthly  possessions,  I 
swallowed  down  a  large  glass  of  brandy  to  nerve  me 
for  my  journey.  Stepping  on  board  of  a  steamer  we 
were  soon  ploughing  through  the  waters  of  the  Hudson 
on  our  way  to  Albany. 

We  arrived  there  in  the  afternoon  about  three  o'clock. 
My  trunk  was  placed  on  shore,  and,  stepping  from  the 
boat,  I  went  through  the  usual  ordeal  of  being  attacked 
by  a  number  of  hackrnen  ;  but  not  wishing  to  engage 
any  of  them,  and  having  heard  of  Dr.  Franklin  when 
he  began  business  in  Philadelphia  wheeling  home  his 
own  paper,  which  gave  the  people  confidence  in  him, 
I  proposed  to  carry  my  own  trunk. 

With  this  resolution  I  shouldered  it,  and  went  tip 
town  to  a  small  hotel.  Leaving  it  in  charge  of  the 
proprietor,  I  sauntered  out  -to  take  a  view  of  the  city. 
Then  for  the  first  time  I  began  to  ponder  upon  my  sit- 
uation, realizing  the  sad  fact  that  I  was  indeed  a  stran- 
ger in  a  strange  city.  As  I  passed  hundreds  of  people 
I  looked  eagerly  into  each  face,  to  see  if  I  could  not 
recognize  the  countenance  of  some  one  whom  I  had 
seen  before ;  but  not  one  familiar  face  met  my  gaze, 
and  I  felt  lonely  and  desolate ;  for  though  surrounded 
by  thousands,  yet  not  one  could  I  call  my  friend. 

To  drive  care  from  my  mind  and  make  me  forget 
my  lonely  condition,  I  stepped  into  a  saloon  and  ob- 
tained a  drink.  This  seemed  to  invigorate  me,  and 
after  drinking  three  or  four  times  more  I  felt  quite  at 
home. 

I  then  formed  the  resolution  to  visit  my  uncle  living 


BUYING  A  HAT.  85 

in  the  northern  part  of  New  York  State,  and,  repairing 
to  the  railway  ticket  office,  secured  a  passage  through 
to  Rome.  My  next  move  was  to  carry  my  trunk  to 
the  depot,  where  I  presented  my  ticket  and  received 
my  check. 

Having  a  few  moments  to  spare  before  the  train 
started  I  walked  out  into  Broadway,  and  in  passing 
Frothingham's  hat  store  my  eye  caught  the  sight  of  a 
tall,  white  fur  hat  in  the  window,  and  I  walked  in 
and  purchased,  it  for  the  sum  of  two  dollars.  It  was 
second-handed.  Placing  it  upon  my  head  I  stepped 
up  to  the  large  mirror,  and,  upon  viewing  myself,  came 
to  the  conclusion,  from  a  picture  I  had  once  seen,  that 
Brother  Jonathan  stood  before  me. 

My  clothes  were  not  of  the  most  stylish  pattern.  I 
kad  on  a  blue  swallow-tail  coat  with  brass  buttons  ;  a 
red  checkered  vest  with  velvet  collar ;  my  pants  were 
light- colored  and  striped,  and  about  six  inches  too 
short,  leaving  the  whole  length  of  my  boot-leg 
exposed.  They  complimented  me  very  much  on  my 
personal  appearance  in  the  store,  and  said  the  hat  was 
a  great  improvement. 

This  gave  me  quite  a  high  opinion  of  myself,  and, 
pulling  my  hat  down  so  it  rested  upon  my  ears  to  keep 
it  from  blowing  oif,  I  made  my  way  proudly  along  to 
the  depot,  stepped  on  board  the  cars,  and  was  soon 
out  of  the  city. 

An  old  gentleman  occupied  a  seat  at  my  side,  and  he 
informed  me  that  he  had  never  been  on  a  train 
of  cars  before  in  his  life.  Every  time  the  train 
stopped  he  supposed  it  was  at  his  station.  It  was 


86  Otf  THE  CAKS. 

amusing  to  watch  the  doubts  and  fears  that  constantly 
perplexed  the  old  gentleman  in  this  his  first  experience 
in  railway  travel.  Whenever  the  whistle  blew  for 
the  train  to  stop  at  a  station,  he  would  rise  quickly  from 
his  seat,  and  scream  out — 

"  What  place  is  this  ?     Is  this  Little  Falls  ?" 

On  being  informed  by  a  gentleman  in  front  of  us, 
that  it  was  not,  he  would  settle  back  in  his  seat  and 
wait  for  the  whistle  to  blow  again,  only  to  ask  the 
same  question  and  receive  the  same  answer.  This  he 
continued  to  do  until,  arriving  at  his  station,  he  got  out 
of  the  car. 

This  left  me  alone  in  the  seat,  and  for  the  first  time 
since  leaving  Albany  I  thought  of  my  trunk,  and 
showed  my  check  to  a  gentleman  in  front  of  me,  who 
quieted  any  apprehension  I  might  have  had  in  regaixj 
to  its  safety  by  telling  me  it  was  probably  on  board 
of  the  same  train,  and  that  on  my  arrival  at  Home  I 
would  find  it  all  safe. 

After  that  I  felt  easy  about  my  trunk,  but,  like  the 
old  gentleman,  I  now  began  to  fear  that  they  would 
carry  me  past  my  stopping  place.  When  the  con- 
ductor came  in  I  ventured  to  ask  him  in  regard  to  it ; 
he  told  me  that  the  brakeman  would  give  me  notice, 
and  that  the  train  would  stop  there  some  length  of 
time. 

We  reached  Kome  about  midnight,  and  my  first 
thoughts  were  concerning  my  trunk.  I  made  my  way 
with  haste  to  the  baggage  car,  where,  after  watching 
the  removal  of  trunks  for  some  length  of  time,  I  at 
last  discovered  my  own. 


I  STEAL  MY  OWN  TRUZTK.  87 

Pressing  my  way  in  froni:  of  the  baggage-master  I 
seized  my  trunk  and  started  off  with  it  as  fast  as  I 
could  go,  when,  hearing  quick  steps  behind  me,  I 
looked  around.  At  the  same  moment  a  heavy  hand 
was  laid  upon  my  shoulder,  and  a  man  said  in  a  gruff 
.voice — 

"  Stop !     Where  are  you  going  with  that  trunk  ?" 

It  frightened  me  very  much,  and  I  explained  to 
him  that  it  was  my  trunk  ;  but  he  said — 

"  You  can't  come  that  on  me." 

Taking  me  by  the  coat-collar,  he  jerked  me  unceri- 
moniously  back  to  the  baggage  car.  He  then  wanted 
to  know  if  I  had  a  check.  I  told  him  I  had,  at  the 
same  time  producing  it.  He  took  it  from  my  hands 
and  compared  it  with  the  one  on  the  trunk  and  found 
they  corresponded.  Then  laughing  heartily,  he  turned 
to  me  and  said — 

"Young  man,  you  must  be  crazy." 

I  told  him  it  was  my  first  attempt  at  traveling,  and 
apologized  for  the  mistake.  He  seemed  to  take  quite 
an  interest  in  me  then,  and  in  the  morning  assisted  me 
in  getting  tickets,  and  checking  my  trunk  on  the  other 
road.  After  having  done  so  we  stepped  into  a  saloon 
near  by  and  took  a  drink.  I  then  went  on  board 
the  cars,  bade  my  newly-made  friend  adieu,  and  was 
off. 

On  arriving  at  the  station  of  M ,  where  I  was 

to  tako  the  stage,  I  found  it  was  not  to  leave  until  eve- 
ning; so  I  went  to  the  hotel  near  at  hand,  proceeded 
up  to  the  bar,  and  called  for  something  to  drink,  at  the 
same  time  extending  an  invitation  for  all  in  the  room 


88  A  PAIR  OF  LOVERS. 

to  partake  with  me,  which  they  readily  consented  to 
do.  This  opened  an  acquaintance,  and  we  chatted  and 
drank  until  dinner  time.  After  dinner  the  conversa- 
tion and  drinkc  were  resumed,  and  the  more  we  drank 
the  more  interested  we  became  in  each  other,  and  we 
continued  enjoying  ourselves  until  the  stage-driver's 
horn  warned  mo  that  it  was  time  to  leave. 

The  tage  ./as  drawn  by  four  horses  which  stood 
pawing  the  earth?  when  .  went  out  of  the  door,  anx- 
ious to  be  off.  There  were  two  or  three  ladies  who 
had  engaged  seate  and  one  old  lady  I  noticed  had 
three  or  four  band-boxes  in  her  hands.  One  lady  had 
a  small  child  in  her  arms  screaming  at  the  top  of  its 
voice,  and  last  bnt  not  least  came  two  lovers  gaily 
dressed.  She  was  leaning  en  his  arm  and  looking  up 
with  a  silly  smile  into  his  unmeaning  face,  as  much  as 
to  say — 

"  Won't  we  make  the  country  people  stare  ?" 

The  odor  arising  from  their  clothing  gave  the 
impression  that  they  had  been  muskrat-hunting. 
When  she  beheld  the  uncouth  stage  she  said- 

«  Why  Chawley;  how  hawible  !" 

To  this  the  dandified  specimen  of  humanity  re- 
plied— 

"  Y-a-a-s  ;  but  then  we  are  in  the  country  now." 

She  didn't  faint  however,  but  catching  up  her  little 
poodle  in  her  arms  gathered  up  sufficient  courage  to 
take  a  seat  in  the  repulsive-looking  vehicle.  The  rest 
of  us  got  in  without  ceremony,  and  after  the  trunks 
were  safely  stowed  away  the  driver  took  a  seat  on  the 
box ;  crack  went  the  whip,  and  round  didn't  go  the 


THE  STAGE  BIDE.  89 

wheels,  for  a  bright  idea  seemed  to  strike  him,  and  he 
yell-ed  out — 

"Whoa!" 

Then  leaping  from  the  box,  he  entered  the  bar-room, 
swallowed  down  a  hasty  drink,  and  soon  made  his 
re-appearance  on  the  box  with  a  short,  black  clay  pipe 
in  his  month,  shouted  to  the  horses,  and  the  coach 
rolled  away  at  a  rapid  rate. 

This  was  my  first  experience  in  stage  riding,  and 
the  motion  of  the  coach  had  the  same  effect  upon  me 
that  Jonah  had  upon  the  whale,  for  it  made  me  sick. 
I  held  out  till  we  came  to  the  first  stopping-place, 
and  feeling  very  unpleasant,  I  went  into  the  bar-room 
and  called  for  a  glass  of  brandy  with  a  few  drops  of 
peppermint  in  it. 

This  seemed  to  relieve  me  somewhat,  and  when  the 
stage  started  I  took  my  position  on  top  of  the  box. 
Stretching  myself  out  at  full  length,  with  a  carpet-bag 
under  my  head,  I  rode  in  that  way  the  whole  dis- 
tance. 

The  coach  arrived  at  my  destination  about  mid- 
night ;  going  to  my  uncle's  door,  I  gave  several  raps 
without  receiving  any  answer.  However,  I  soon  dis- 
covered a  light  through  the  window,  and  my  uncle 
called  out — 

"Who's  there?" 

I  answered  by  saying — 

"I  am  an  officer,  and  have  a  warrant  for  your 
arrest." 

He  immediately  came  and  unbolted  the  door,  say- 
ing— 


90  MY  UNCLE'S  WELCOME. 

"  All  right ;  come  in." 

Looking  into  his  face,  I  said — 

"  Sir,  do  you  know  ine?" 

Scanning  my  features  closely,  he  ejaculated — 

"  I  think  I  have  never  seen  you  before." 

After  some  further  delay  I  informed  him  who  I 
was,  when,  grasping  me  by  the  hand  he  said — 

"  George,  you  are  welcome." 

Next  morning  we  strolled  out  to  view  the  town.  It 
was  located  upon  the  shores  of  a  beautiful  lake,  while 
in  the  distance  I  saw  several  vessels  plying  upon  its 
silvery  surface.  Many  lumber  men  were  at  the  dock 
loading  their  vessels,  and  the  busy  saw  was  cutting  out 
lumber  in  the  mill  close  by.  The  lumbering  business 
and  the  manufacture  of  glass  seemed  to  be  the  princi- 
pal employment  of  the  inhabitants.  The  land  around 
the  village  had  been  recently  cleared,  and  here  and 
there  tall,  black  stumps  could  be  seen,  and  the  sound 
of  the  wood-chopper's  axe  rang  out  clearly  in  the  dis- 
tance. 

Remaining  idle  for  a  few  days,  time  began  to  hang 
heavily  upon  my  hands,  and  I  looked  about  for  some- 
thing to  do. 

My  eiforts  were  soon  rewarded,  for  I  engaged  to 
saw  quite  a  large  quantity  of  logs  of  different  lengths 
preparatory  to  their  being  hauled  to  the  mills. 

This  was  new  business  for  me,  and  as  I  needed 
assistance,  I  employed  a  colored  man  and  my  uncle's 
eldest  boy  to  help  me.  We  commenced  in  earnest, 
and  on  the  evening  of  the  first  day  we  scaled  up  the 
amount  we  had  cut,  and  found,  to  my  great  satisfac- 


CHEATED  AND  DISCOURAGED.  91 

tion,  that  after  paying  all  expenses  I  had  made  about 
four  dollars.  This  encouraged  me  very  much,  and, 
finding  I  was  likely  to  make  money  at  the  business,  I 
worked  hard  every  day  with  a  right  good  will. 

When  the  job  was  finished  and  I  called  upon  my 
employer  for  payment,  he  managed  to  figure  me  out 
of  quite  a  share  of  my  hard  earnings.  This  had  a 
tendency  to  discourage  me  somewhat,  and  I  went  to  a 
village  some  three  miles  distant  and  got  drunk,  spend- 
ing a  good  deal  of  money. 

On  becoming  sober  I  made  up  my  mind  to  return 
home  where  I  arrived  about  the  middle  of  autumn. 
My  father  was  anxious  to  leave  that  section  of  coun- 
try, and  formed  the  resolution  to  move  out  to  my 
uncle's.  So  we  packed  our  scanty  furniture  in  boxes, 
and  prepared  to  leave  our  place  of  abode. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

arriving  at  our  destination  we  hired  a 
small  house  and  began  house-keeping.  My 
brother-in-law  soon  found  a  job  of  work,  and 
my  father  and  myself  engaged  to  chop  cord^ 
wood.  We  continued  at  this  business  until  the  begin- 
ning of  winter,  when  I  left  home  and  contracted  to 
work  for  my  cousin,  Mr.  Blanchard,  and  I  remained 
working  for  him  the  space  of  one  month ;  after  which 

Mr.  H offered  me  ten  dollars  per  month  and  board 

to  drive  team  for  him,  hauling  wood  some  six  miles  to 
a  glass  factory,  and  I  accepted  the  offer. 

That  winter  was  very  severe,  the  snow  covering  the 
ground  to  the  depth  of  four  feet  in  some  places.  We 
were  obliged  to  dig  the  wood  from  under  the  'deep 
snow,  load  it  on  the  sled,  and  drive  to  the  glass  factory, 
the  excessive  cold  penetrating  my  body  and  almost 
freezing  the  blood  in  my  veins.  This  work  I  contin- 
ued until  nearly  spring,  when  I  left  Mr.  H ,  and 

engaged  to  saw  logs  in  the  woods  for  Mr.  B . 

I  continued  to  work  for  him  until  the  snow  had  left 
the  ground  and  the  red-breast  robin  began  to  carol  his 

92 


A  TRAMP  INTO  THE  COUNTRY.  93 

sweet  song  in  the  spreading  branches,  while  the  warm 
rays  of  the  sun  had  melted  the  ice  from  the  surface  of 
the  lake,  and  all  Nature  seemed  to  rejoice  at  the  return 
of  Spring. 

No  opportunity  being  offered  me  to  work  after  leav- 
ing Mr.  B ,  I  put  a  change  or  two  of  linen  in  a 

small  valise,  and  started  off  on  foot  to  seek  my  fortune, 
or,  at  least,  to  find  something  to  do.  My  purse 
was  slender,  containing  but  a  few  shillings,  and  with  a 
heavy  heart  I  trudged  along  the  dusty  road. 

When  night  came  I  found  that  I  had  traveled  twen- 
ty-five miles,  and,  footsore  and  weary,  I  stopped  at  a 
small  inn  by  the  way-side. 

Not  having  eaten  anything  since  morning  I  felt  ter- 
ribly hungry,  and  told  the  landlord  to  prepare  me  some 
supper.  Then  stepping  up  to  the  bar  I  called  for 
something  to  drink,  and  as  I  drank  it  down  in  eager 
haste  it  aroused  the  slumbering  demon  in  my  bosom ; 
without  leaving  the  bar  I  poured  out  another  glass 
brimming  full,  and  gulped  it  down  almost  with  a  sin- 
gle swallow.  Having  taken  nothing  for  so  long  a 
time  it  seemed  to  have  a  powerful  effect  upon  me,  for 
it  coursed  its  way,  almost  in  a  moment's  time,  through 
every  nerve  and  sinew  of  my  body — even  causing  my 
finder-ends  to  tingle. 

Although  it  was  artificial  stimulus,  yet  I  must  ac- 
knowledge that  it  eased  present  pain.  When  I  sat 
down  to  supper  I  had  already  forgotten  my  hard  day's 
journey,  and  with  a  well-filled  table  before  me  felt  quite 
happy. 

The  following  morning  my  knees  were  so  stiff  I 


94  WANTED :  A  NIGHT'S  LODGING. 

could  hardly  get  down  stairs,  but  knowing  what  the 
remedy  was  from  the  previous  evening's  experience,  I 
made  my  way  immediately  to  the  bar  and  drank  three 
or  four  times  before  breakfast.  This  produced  the  de- 
sired effect  for  the  time ;  but  after  traveling  a  few 
miles  on  my  way,  I  found  that  I  felt  much  worse  than 
on  my  arrival  the  night  before. 

I  am  satisfied,  from  this  fact,  that  alcohol  does  not 
give  strength  to  the  body,  but  only  excites  the  brain ; 
and  when  exempt  for  a  short  time  from  this  artificial 
stimulant  the  body  relaxes  into  a  state  of  torpor  and 
disease. 

All  that  long  day  I  traveled  on,  not  knowing  whith- 
er I  was  going,  stopping  ever  and  anon  at  the  little 
streams  crossing  the  road,  to  bathe  my  face  and  take  a 
drink  of  pure  cold  water,  and  at  the  different  farm- 
houses along  the  road  to  enquire  for  work.  At  every 
place  I  stopped  I  was  unsuccessful,  and  as  the  shades 
of  night  gathered  thick  and  fast  around  me  I  felt  al- 
most like  giving  up  in  despair. 

But  taking  fresh  courage  I  still  pressed  on.  It  soon 
became  so  dark  that  I  could  not  see  to  walk  very  well, 
and  1  began  to  realize  that  I  must  be  looking  about  to 
find  some  place  to  spend  the  night. 

After  traveling  about  a  mile  further  I  came  to  a 
large  farm-house,  and  in  looking  through  the  window 
I  saw  the  table  spread,  and  the  family  sitting  around 
taking  their  supper.  On  going  to  the  door  I  tapped 
gently,  when  some  one  said  in  a  rough,  harsh  voice — 

"Come  in." 

I  walked  in  and  said,  "  Good  evening ;"  when  a  man 
said  in  the  same  gruff  voice — 


WE  D  ON*  T  KEEP  BEG  GARS."  95 

at  the  same  time  looking  me 
over  in  a  scrutinizing  manner,  while  the  old  lady 
peered  through  her  glasses,  seemingly  as  much  sur- 
prised as  she  would  be  if  some  horrible  hobgoblin  had 
broken  in  upon  them,  for  my  personal  appearance  was 
anything  but  prepossessing.  My  pants  were  thrust  into 
my  boot-legs ;  I  had  an  old  satchel  strapped  upon  my 
back,  and  my  whole  exterior  was  covered  with  dust. 

They  might  have  taken  me  for  a  thief  or  robber ; 
but  I  quieted  their  fears  if  any  they  had  by  telling 
them  that  I  had  started  out  to  procure  work  and  wanted 
some  place  to  stop  over  night ;  but  he  immediately  said 
in  that  same  gruff  voice — 

"We  don't  keep  beggars  here." 

I  at  once  told  him  that  he  was  laboring  under  a  mis- 
take ;  I  was  no  beggar,  although  very  poor.  He  con- 
tinued eating  for  a  few  moment's  longer,  when  he 
looked  up  and  said — 

"We  cannot  keep  you." 

Then  putting  on  my  hat  I  said  to  him — 

"  Sir,  the  day  will  yet  come  when  I  shall  have  a 
home  of  my  own,  and  no  man,  however  poor  he  may 
be,  if  he  comes  to  my  door  and  asks  for  a  night's  lodg- 
ing, shall  be  denied." 

Then  bidding  him  good-night,  I  left,  impressed  with 
the  consciousness  that  though  he  had  the  form  of  a 
man,  yet  a  soul  he  did  not  possess.  I  felt  as  a  gentle- 
man did  who,  when  telling  about  a  small-souled  person 
said — 

"  I  believe  his  soul  is  so  small  that  you  could  blow 
it  through  the  quill  of  a  humming-bird  into  a  mosqui- 
toe's  eye,  and  not  make  him  wink," 


96  POOR,  BUT  HOSPITABLE. 

This  comparison  was  surpassed  by  an  old  lady,  who 
said  some  souls  were  so  small  that  you  could  put  ten 
thousand  of  them  in  a  mustard  seed  and,  by  shaking 
it,  hear  them  rattle.  And  now,  when  looking  over 
my  past  life  I  am  constrained  to  say,  that  if  this  man's 
soul  was  not  as  small  as  one  of  these  it  approximated 
closely  to  it. 

After  passing  about  a  mile  further,  groping  my  way 
as  best  I  could,  my  eyes  caught  the  glimpse  of  a  light 
in  the  distance,  and  I  made  my  way  towards  it  as  fast 
as  possible.  It  led  me  to  a  small  house  by  the  road- 
side, and  I  saw  at  a  glance  that  they  were  living  in 
much  more  humble  circumstances  than  at  the  house  I 
had  just  left. 

"Without  hesitation  I  knocked  at  the  door,  and  it 
was  opened  by  a  plainly  dressed  woman,  holding  a 
small  child  in  her  arms,  who,  peering  at  me  through 
the  darkness,  asked  me  to  walk  in.  When  I  entered 
I  saw  that  they  were  quite  poor,  for  their  scanty  fur- 
niture evinced  the  fact.  At  the  table  sat  the  husband 
reading  a  book ;  raising  his  eyes  from  the  pages,  he 
said  in  a  pleasant  voice — 

"Take  a  seat." 

I  did  so ;  and  then  told  him  what  my  object  was  in 
calling.  He  said — 

"  Certainly  you  can  stay  over  night  if  you  will  take 
up  with  our  humble  fare." 

Engaging  in  conversation  with  him,  I  soon  felt  quite 
at  home.  His  wife  spread  a  clean  table-cloth,  and  pre- 
pared me  some  supper  which  I  ate  with  a  sharpened 
appetite.  I  found  in  the  course  of  conversation  that 


OUT  OF  MONEY.  97 

he  had  seen  better  days,  but  owing  to  misfortune  he 
had  become  reduced  in  circumstances. 

The  next  morning,  having  a  shilling  or  two  left,  I 
offered  it  to  him  for  my  entertainment ;  but  he  refused 
to  take  a  cent ;  so,  thanking  him  for  his  hospitality,  I 
left  his  humble  habitation  feeling  that  though  poor  he 
had  a  noble  heart. 

All  that  long,  weary  day  I  plodded  on  in  a  south- 
easterly direction  towards  Fort  Brewerton.  At  nearly 
every  house  I  called  at  to  enquire  for  work  I  received 
the  same  discouraging  answer,  to  the  effect  that  they 
had  help  enough ;  and  I  began  to  wish  myself  home 
again. 

When  noon  came  I  stopped  at  a  large  farm-house, 
and  asked  them  for  some  dinner.  After  eating  it,  I 
asked  the  lady  how  much  it  would  be.  She  said  I 
might  give  her  what  I  thought  it  was  worth ;  taking 
the  last  twenty-five  cent  piece  from  my  pocket  I  laid 
it  in  her  hand,  and  left  the  house,  penniless,  and  among 
strangers. 

When  night  came,  having  no  money,  I  crawled  into 
a  barn,  and  slept  until  morning.  Getting  up  very 
early  I  started  on  my  weary  way,  and  traveled  on  at  a 
rapid  pace  until  I  came  to  Fort  Brewerton  at  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  or  thereabouts.  The  little 
steamer  that  plied  on  the  lake  was  about  ready  to  leave 

for  the  village  of  B ,  in  which  my  father  lived. 

Captain  R, ,  who  owned  the  vessel  was  a  perfect 

stranger  to  me,  but  I  told  him  how  I  was  situated, 
when  he  put  his  hand  in  his  pocket  and  placed  a  pas- 
sage ticket  and  fifty  cents  in  my  hand.  He  said  the 


98  ON  THE  STEAMBOAT. 

boat  would  not  leave  for  a  few  minutes,  and  told  me  to 
get  something  to  eat  and  drink. 

Following  his  advice  I  went  to  the  nearest  hotel  and 
got  two  drinks  of  whisky  and  a  cold  lunch.  I  then 
went  on  board  the  steamer,  and  we  were  soon  under 
way  up  the  lake. 

During  the  passage  I  made  the  acquaintance  of  the 
engineer  who,  going  to  a  little  closet,  brought  out  a 
decanter  of  brandy,  and  invited  me  to  drink  with  him. 
This  was  repeated  several  times  on  the  voyage. 

I  arrived  at  home  fully  impressed  with  the  idea  that 
"  Be  it- ever  so  humble,  there  is  no  place  like  home." 

Nothing  occurred  of  any  importance  until  haying 
time,  when  I  engaged  to  work  for  a  man  in  the  neigh- 
borhood through  haying.  When  finished  I  once  more 
packed  up  my  few  effects  in  a  valise,  and  prepared  to 
leave  on  a  journey  to  the  state  of  Ohio  to  battle  again 
with  the  stern  realities  of  life. 


CHAPTEE  XII. 


my  dear  mother  good-bye,  and 
pressing  my  father's  hand,  I  left  them  with  a 
heavy  heart,  not  knowing  when  I  should  see 
them  again  ;  stepping  on  board  of  the  little 
steamer,  I  was  soon  on  a  second  expedition,  in  order 
if  possible  to  better  my  condition. 

I  arrived  in  due  time  at  Fort  Brewerton,  and  from 
there  took  stage  to  the  city  of  Syracuse.  On  arriving 
at  the  depot  I  found  it  literally  crowded  with  the  peo- 
ple, and  there  was  a  great  deal  of  confusion.  Elbow- 
ing my  way  to  the  ticket  office,  I  purchased  a  ticket  for 
Buffalo. 

As  the  train  was  not  to  leave  for  an  hour  and  a  half, 
I  occupied  my  time  by  strolling  about  the  city.  While 
walking  down  one  of  the  streets  near  the  canal,  just 
as  I  came  opposite  to  a  rum  saloon,  the  door  was  hast- 
ily thrown  open,  and  a  man  ejected  with  terrible  vio- 
lence into  the  street,  striking  flat  upon  his  face  on  the 
hard  curb-stone.  The  blood  flowed  from  his  nostrils, 
and  he  lay  as  if  dead. 

Having  been  in  many  rough  places  I  felt  an  inclina- 
99 


100  ADVENTURE  AT  SYRACUSE. 

tion  to  step  in  to  see  what  was  the  trouble.  On  doing 
so,  the  state  of  affairs  in  the  saloon  indicated  that  a 
severe  fight  had  been  going  on,  while  a  more  misera- 
ble drunken  set  of  vagabonds  could  rarely  be  seen. 
Among  the  number  were  three  or  four  drunken 
women,  cursing  and  swearing  fully  as  bad  as  the 
men. 

From  past  experience  I  concluded  it  wise  to  beat  a 
hasty  retreat,  and  was  about  doing  so  when  one  of  the 
women  placed  herself  against  the  door,  saying — 

"  No  ;  you  don't  go  out  of  this  door  until  you  treat." 

"  That's  so,"  exclaimed  three  or  four  others;  and 
gathering  around  me,  they  rudely  pushed  me  to  the 
bar,  and,  considering  discretion  the  best  part  of  valor, 
I  told  the  bar-tender  to  set  on  the  glasses.  They 
accordingly  arrayed  themselves  in  front  of  the  bar,  and 
drank  at  my  expense.  After  which  one  of  them 
approached  me,  and  slapped  me  on  the  shoulder,  say- 
ing with  an  oath — 

"  You  seem  to  be  a  pretty  good  fellow  ;"  and  with 
this,  they  allowed  me  to  depart  without  further  molest- 
ation. 

Then  going  to  the  depot  I  stepped  on  board  the 
express  train,  and  we  were  soon  flying  over  the  iron 
track,  towards  Buffalo.  We  reached  that  place  some- 
time in  the  early  part  of  the  evening,  and  being  a  per- 
fect stranger  in  the  city  I  scarcely  knew  what  to  do  or 
which  way  to  go. 

The  hackmen  seeing  my  dilemma  pounced  upon  me 
like  a  pack  of  hungry  wolves,  and  I  was  really  afraid  1 
should  be  torn  into  pieces.  A  runner  from  one  of  the 


A  PREY  OF  HOTEL-RUNNERS.  101 

low  hotels  actually  seized  me  by  the  collar,  and  said — 

"  Come  along  with  me  young  man;  I  will  show  you 
where  you  want  to  go." 

I  permitted  myself  to  be  dragged  along  like  a  sheep 
to  the  slaughter.  Entering  a  smalMiotel,  he  took  my 
satchel  from  my  hand,  and  gave  it  to  the  man  behind 
the  bar,  at  the  same  time  informing  him  that  I  would 
remain  over  night.  Then  turning  to  me  again  he 
said — 

"  Can't  you  afford  to  treat  ?" 

I  agreed  to  do  so,  and  we  took  a  drink  together. 
My  mind  was  made  up  to  go  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and 
I  asked  him  if  there  was  a  steamer  that  left  for  Cleve- 
land that  night.  He  informed  me  that  there  was  not. 

Not  liking  the  looks  of  the  man  I  doubted  his  word, 
and,  stepping  out  into  the  street,  I  enquired  of  a  nice- 
looking  gentleman  passing  by,  who  told  me  that  the 
steamer  would  leave  in  one  hour,  from wharf. 

With  this  information  I  marched  indignantly  into 
the  hotel,  and  said  to  the  man  behind  the  bar — 

"  Sir,  I  want  my  baggage." 

With  seeming  astonishment  he  replied — 

"  What  do  you  want  your  baggage  for  ?" 

"  Because,"  said  I,  "  you  have  deceived  me  ;  the 
boat  leaves  to-night  for  Cleveland,  and  I  am  going. 
You  thought  to  get  my  money,  but  you  will  find  your- 
self mistaken  this  time." 

So  he  gave  me  my  baggage,  charging  me  twenty-five 
cents  for  his  trouble,  and  I  departed,  impressed  with 
the  idea  that  I  had  at  least  learned  one  lesson. 

On  arriving  at  the  wharf  I  found  the  steamer  nearly 


102  AT  THE  FOREST  CITY. 

ready  to  start ;  so  I  went  on  board  and  purchased  my 
ticket  for  Cleveland.  The  wind  blew  heavily  during 
the  passage,  and  the  lake  was  rough,  and  some  of  the 
passengers  were  seasick.  I  didn't  sleep  much  that 
night  owing  to  the  motion  of  the  vessel ;  but  the  kind 
hand  of  Providence  safely  guided  us  over  the  waves, 
and  toward  morning  the  wind  died  away.  So  that 
when  we  entered  the  harbor  of  Cleveland  scarcely  a 
ripple  could  be  seen  upon  the  clear  waters  of  Lake 
Erie. 

It  was  a  beautiful  morning,  and  the  city  presented  a 
fine  appearance.  I  thought,  as  I  beheld  the  stately 
trees  that  lined  the  sidewalks  and  heard  the  sweet 
birds  singing  in  their  branches,  that  it  justly  deserved 
the  title  of  the  Forest  City  of  the  West.  No  noisy 
hackmen  pounced  upon  us  as  in  the  city  of  Buffalo,  for 
they  were  not  allowed  to  go  beyond  a  certain  limit  to 
solicit  passengers ;  and  a  stranger  under  these  circum- 
stances could  not  be  otherwise  than  favorably  im- 
pressed. 

My  next  thought  was  to  satisfy  the  cravings  of  a 
hungry  appetite,  and,  having  fallen  in  with  a  gentle- 
man upon  board  of  the  steamer  who  was  acquainted  in 
the  city,  he  told  me  he  knew  where  we  could  get  a 
good  breakfast  for  twenty-five  cents  a  piece.  We  went 
immediately  to  the  place  in  question,  and  after  taking 
two  drinks  made  a  hearty  breakfast. 

Then  we  strolled  about  the  city  in  different  direc- 
tions, and,  finally  entered  the  old  Court  House,  to  get 
a  more  extensive  view  of  the  surroundings.  Looking 
out  of  the  window  we  saw  the  light-house  standing 


A  VISIT  TO  MY  SISTEE.  103 

upon  a  rocky  eminence  overlooking  the  fine  harbor, 
while  in  every  direction  could  be  seen  vessels  sailing 
to  and  fro.  The  sea-birds  were  skimming  over  the 
crested  waves,  and  ever  and  anon  their  silvery  wings 
would  flash  in  the  morning  light,  as  they  rose  to  plunge 
beneath  the  surface  in  search  of  their  finny  repast. 

I  could  not  help  thinking  as  I  looked  on  that  wave- 
beaten  light-house,  how  many  vessels,  at  the  midnight 
hour,  battling  with  the  shocks  of  the  tempest,  have 
been  saved  from  becoming  wrecked  upon  the  adjacent 
rocky  reefs ;  and,  now,  even  to-day,  in  our  many  Amer- 
can  pulpits,  clergymen  and  God-fearing  men  are  stand- 
ing up  with  extended  arms,  warping  the  old,  the  mid- 
dle-aged and  the  young  to  beware  of  the  rocks  of  sin 
and  dissipation,  in  order  that  at  last  they  may  find  a 
safe  mooring  in  the  haven  of  peace. 

In  the  afternoon  I  made  my  way  to  the  depot  and 

took  the  cars  for  the  village  of  H .  After  arriving 

there  and  partaking  of  something  to  eat,  I  started  off 
on  foot  to  visit  my  half-sister  who  lived  in  a  neighbor- 
ing town  ;  she  was  my  mother's  daughter  by  her  first 
husband — my  mother  being  a  widow  at  the  time  of 
my  father's  marriage  with  her.  She  had  at  that  time, 
three  sons  and  one  daughter. 

The  contents  of  my  purse  toegan  to  get  slim,  and, 
sitting  down  by  the  side  of  the  road,  I  counted  over 
my  money  and  found  that  I  had  one  dollar  and  seven- 
ty-five cents  left  all  in  silver.  Then  shouldering  my 
valise,  I  trudged  on  the  dusty  road  and  arrived  at  the 

village  of  R ,  where  my  sister,  lived  late  in  the 

afternoon. 


104:  I  BECOME  A  CARPENTER. 

Eeparing  to  a  hotel,  I  arranged  my  toilet,  brushed 
the  dust  from  my  clothing,  and  walked  up  to  her  house. 
My  relatives,  having  never  seen  me  before,  were  over- 
joyed on  learning  who  I  was.  They  prepared  me  an 
excellent  supper,  and  treated  me  with  great  kindness. 

After  resting  a  few  days,  I  engaged  to  work  for  Mr. 
H ,  my  sister's  husband,  planing  boards  in  his  car- 
penter shop.  Although  I  had  worked  at  that  business 
a  very  little,  I  soon  found  it  needed  considerable 
experience  to  plane  the  board  smoothly  ;  for  in  that 
part  of  the  country  instead  of  using  pine,  they  use 
whitewood,  which  is  harder  to  work.  However,  by 
dint  of  perseverance,  I  soon  learned  to  work  it  quite 
well,  and  entered  into  a  contract  to  remain  an  indefin- 
ite length  of  time,  and  if  I  liked  the  work  to  stop 
until  I  had  learned  the  trade.  Our  first  job  of  any 
importance  was  upon  a  brick  school-house  in  the  vil- 
lage ;  while  there  I  made  the  acquaintance  of  quite  a 
large  number  of  the  leading  citizens  who  were  inter- 
ested in  education. 

There  wras  one  peculiar  character  in  that  village 
whom  I  well  recollect.  He  had  emigrated  from  the 
Emerald  Isle  previously,  and  was  a  good-natured,  intel 
ligent,  hard-working  man.  In  whatever  position  he 
might  be  placed,  he  was  noted  for  his  even  temper. 
Any  morning  you  might  hear  his  hearty  laugh,  as  he 
trudged  along  on  his  way  to  work,  with  shovel  or  pick- 
axe on  his  back.  He  was  the  finest  whistler  I  ever 
heard ;  he  could  imitate  the  fife  or  clarionet,  or  warble 
like  the  birds  ;  on  account  of  his  good-nature  and  intel- 
ligence he  was  quite  a  favorite  in  the  village. 


A  WHISTLING  IRISHMAN.  105 

They  engaged  him  to  do  the  digging  around  the 
school-house ;  and  every  morning  he  made  his  regular 
appearance  with  his  implements  of  labor,  whistling  as 
merrily  as  a  lark.  Being  so  far  away  from  home  I 
became  many  times  very  lonely,  and  at  such  times 
would  ask  him  to  whistle  for  me,  to  cheer  me  up.  He 
would  then  say,  as  he  looked  up  into  my  face — 

"  An  sure,  its  mesilf  too  that's  often  ben  lonely, 
begarra,  since  I  came  til  Ameriky  ;  for  isn't  it  Biddy 
and  the  childer  that  I  lift  behind,  beyant  the  say  in 
Tipperary — God  bless  it !  But,  thank  the  Holy  Var- 
gint  and  the  blissed  St.  Patrick,  wasn't  it  my  own 
hands  that  earned  the  money  to  bring  them  over  to 
this  counthry  where  they  are  living  with  me  now, 
sure !  It's  mesilf,  Garge,  that  knows  how  yeez  feel, 
and,  bejabers,  I'll  whistle  for  yeez." 

He  would  then  throw  down  his  tools,  and  strike  up 
some  lively  Irish  jig,  which  would  soon  cause  me  to 
forget  my  sorrow. 

After  completing  the  school-house  and  finishing  a 

small  job  for  Mr.  D ,  we  commenced  work  upon  a 

Urge  building  some  three  miles  from  the  centre  of  the 
village.  We  would  walk  to  our  work  and  return  at 
night  after  laboring  hard  all  day. 

After  working  there  sometime  I  began  to  feel  quite 
unwell,  and  one  morning,  feeling  very  bad  I  left  the 
building,  and  went  into  the  woods  some  distance  oif, 
where  I  lay  down  at  the  root  of  a  tree  and  lay  some 
hours  contemplating  my  condition  in  life.  It  was 
nearly  evening  when  I  reached  home  whe^e  I  remained 
two  or  three  days  when  I  began  to  feel  better. 


CHAPTER 


!N"  going  down  to  the  post-office  one  morn- 
ing I  met  Mr.  B  -  ,  the  leading  merchant  in 
the  village.  He  told  me  his  clerk  was  about 
to  leave  and  he  would  like  to  engage  me  to 
fill  his  place.  This  proposition  was  very  acceptable 
to  me,  and  without  hesitation  I  told  him  I  would  be 
glad  to  come. 

Early  next  morning  I  went  to  the  store  where  I  was 
to  receive  my  first  instruction  in  mercantile  life.  I 
entered  upon  my  duties  with  a  firm  determination  to 
do  my  best. 

The  first  day  I  found  out  that  there  was  a  great  deal 
to  do,  as  the  customers  were  very  numerous.  A  regular 
country  trade  was  carried  on,  the  most  of  our  custom- 
ers being  Germans,  who  would  bring  in  butter,  eggs, 
dried-apples,  cheese,  lard,  wheat  etc.,  and  exchange 
them  for  goods.  The  work  was  more  laborious  than  I 
expected,  and  the  first  night  upon  my  returning  home 
from  the  store  I  was  so  tired  I  could  hardly  eat  my 
supper. 

My  employer  was  a  native  of  Connecticut,  who, 
106 


I  TURN  MERCHANT.  107 

years  before,  when  a  boy,  left  Iris  home  on  foot  to  seek 
a  residence  somewhere  in  the  West.  He  took  a  little 
trunk  tilled  with  Yankee  notions  to  pay  his  expenses 
on  the  way.  "When  he  arrived  about  at  the  spot  where 
the  city  of  Rochester  now  stands,  his  stock  in  trade 
gave  out,  and  he  could  travel  no  further.  He  began 
to  look  about  for  something  to  do,  and  finally  engaged 
to  chop  wood  for  about  thirty  cents  a  cord.  He 
worked  faithfully  until  about  the  middle  of  winter, 
when  one  day  on  cutting  down  a  tree,  it  fell  in  the 
wrong  direction  from  what  he  intended,  struck  a  val- 
uable cow  and  killed  her  instantly. 

"  That,"  said  he,  "  was  a  trying  time,  and  I  never 
felt  more  like  running  away  than  I  did  then." 

But  instead  of  leaving  he  formed  the  resolution  to 
chop  wood  until  the  cow  was  paid  for,  which  he 
accordingly  did.  Then  leaving,  he  worked  his  way 
through  until  he  arrived  in  Ohio,  where  he  learned 
the  cabinet-makers  business,  married,  and  finally  began 
in  a  small  way  to  sell  goods. 

He  had  thus  worked  himself  up  from  obscurity  to  a 
position  of  standing  in  the  community.  He  had 
enlarged  his  store  several  times,  and  when  I  engaged 
with  him  he  had  been  twenty-five  years  upon  the  same 
spot.  His  motto  was  "  Honesty  is  the  best  policy ;" 
his  customers  had  unbounded  confidence  in  him.  He 
said  to  me  on  first  entering  his  employ — 

"  Give  good  weight  and  measure." 

It  was  a  one-price  store  and  all  customers  were 
served  alike.  Sometimes  a  new  settler,  coming  in  that 
vicinity  from  Germany,  would  call  at  our  store  to  pur- 


108  OUR  DUTCH  CUSTOMERS. 

chase  some  article,  and  after  examining  the  goods 
would  offer  a  few  cents  less  than  the  price,  when  we 
would  immediately  lay  the  goods  upon  the  shelf,  inform- 
ing him  at  the  same  time  that  we  sold  only  at  one 
price ;  when  he  would  say  in  broken  English — 

"  Dat's  ves  vrights ;  yous  ve  honest ;  I  takes  'em." 

These  Germans  were  generally  a  hard-working  peo- 
ple. The  women  would  toil  all  day  long  in  the  fields, 
and  do  nearly  as  much  work  as  a  man ;  after  which 
they  would  take  their  baskets,  filled  with  butter  or 
eggs,  and  come  on  foot  to  trade  at  our  store  in  the 
evenings. 

I  soon  became  convinced  that  it  would  be  necessary 
for  me  to  learn  something  of  their  language,  and  when- 
ever opportunity  offered  I  would  question  them  in 
regard  to  the  names  of  the  goods  we  sold  them.  In  a 
short  time  I  could  understand  them  so  well  that  I 
could  show  them  any  article  they  called  for. 

One  day,  however,  an  old  Dutch  lady  came  in  who 
had  not  yet  learned  to  speak  a  word  of  English.  Com- 
ing up  to  me  she  tried  to  imitate  our  language  by  ask- 
ing for  a  "  touch  Icalenar"  This  put  me  to  test,  and 
I  stood  for  a  moment  to  consider  what  she  wanted ;  but 
I  was  completely  nonplussed.  The  old  woman  came 
up  close  to  me  and  took  hold  of  my  coat-sleeve,  while 
she  kept  saying — "  touch  "kalenar^  touch  kalenar" 

I  motioned  to  her  to  look  about  -the  store  to  see  if 
she  could  find  what  she  wanted.  She  seemed  to  under- 
stand what  I  meant,  and  immediately  commenced  a 
thorough  search.  It  was  some  time  before  she  was 
successful,  when,  finally  going  behind  the  desk  where 


A  LIVELY  TIME.  109 

we  kept  our  stationery,  she  soon  returned  to  the  place 
where  I  stood,  holding  in  her  hand  a  Dutch  calendar. 
She  laughed  heartily,  and  clapped  me  upon  the  shoul- 
der, as  much  as  to  say,  "  You  will  learn  yet." 

Our  customers  were  not  all  of  this  kind ;  we  had 
many  of  the  best  families  in  the  neighborhood  to  trade 
at  our  store,  and,  as  we  kept  silks  and  embroideries  as 
well  as  groceries,  crockery  and  hardware,  oils  etc.,  the 
business  kept  me  constantly  on  the  go  from  one  part 
of  the  building  to  another.  Sometimes  up  stairs,  and 
sometimes  down  in  the  cellar. 

Frequently  I  would  come  up  out  of  the  cellar  with 
a  jug  of  oil  in  my  hands,  wh^n  a  young  lady  would 
say  to  me — 

"  I  would  like  to  look  at  some  silk." 

On  going  to  the  water  tank  to  remove  the  oil  from 
my  hands,  another  customer  would  say — 

"  Can  you  draw  me  a  jug  of  molasses  ?" 

On  the  way  back,  some  lady  would  say — 

"  Can  you  show  me  some  embroidery  ?" 

Another  again  would  cry  out — 

"Let  us  have  some  coffee!"  or,  "Cut  off  this  piece 
of  cloth  as  I  am  in  a  great  hurry." 

So  with  butter  to  weigh  and  eggs  to  count  out,  I 
found  but  few  spare  moments.  In  the  middle  of  the 
day  when  our  customers  were  not  so  plenty,  I  would 
find  time  to  pack  eggs  or  butter  for  market.  I  was 
generally  the  last  one  to  leave  the  store  at  night,  and 
the  first  one  to  open  it  in  the  morning.  I  would  gen- 
erally rise  about  three  A.  M.,  and  have  the  store  al] 
swept  and  dusted  by  daylight,  when  the  German  cus- 


110  A  GLASS  ON  THE  SLY. 

tomers  would  begin  to  coine  to  do  their .  trading  in 
order  to  get  time  to  do  a  day's  work. 

We  kept  liquors  in  the  cellar,  to  sell  for  medicinal 
purposes  to  our  customers.  Occasionally  I  would  go 
down  in  the  evening,  after  all  had  left  the  store,  and 
draw  a  tumbler  about  half  full  of  some  kind  of  spirits, 
and  after  sweetening  it  I  would  drink  it  and  imagine 
that  it  did  me  good.  It  was  far  better  liquor  than 
they  have  at  the  present  day  and  did  not  have  the 
same  effect.  I  doubt  not  that  many  a  young  man  has 
formed  the  appetite  for  strong  drink  by  taking  an 
occasional  glass,  being  deluded  with  the  idea  that 
it  would  do  him  good.  My  appetite  at  that  time 
was  strong  for  drink,  and  I  should  have  imbibed  more 
freely  had  it  not  been  for  a  desire  to  do  justice  to  my 
employers.  They  soon  gained  confidence  in  me,  and 
I  was  intrusted  with  the  key  of  the  safe,  and  nearly 
all  the  money  taken  in  passed  through  my  hands. 

We  had  accumulated  some  sixteen  hundred  dollars 
in  silver  and  gold  in  our  safe,  when  it  was  pro- 
posed that  I  should  go  to  the  nearest  bank,  some  twelve 
miles  distant,  and  procure  a  draft  on  New  York.  Mr. 
B harnessed  up  his  horse  and  carriage  ;  and,  hav- 
ing taken  in  a  young  lady,  I  started  off  in  high  spirits. 

On  arriving  at  the  bank  I  procured  the  draft.  We 
then  went  to  the  largest  hotel  in  the  town  and  ordered 
dinner.  On  sitting  down  at  the  table  I  found  myself 
face  to  face  with  those  whom  I  supposed  to  be  mer- 
chants, and  gaily-dressed  ladies.  I  felt  very  much  em- 
barrass'ed,  and  made  awkward  work  at  waiting  upon 
the  lady  who  accompanied  me. 


F UN  A  T  MY  EXPENSE.  Ill 

The  first  thing  I  did  was  to  upset  the  coffee,  and  at 
the  same  time  I  accidentally  dropped  my  knife  upon 
the  floor.  There  was  a  general  tittering  around  the 
table  at  my  unfortunate  mishap,  which  embarrassed 
me  still  more,  and  started  the  perspiration  which  ran 
streaming  down  my  face.  How  I  got  through  that 
meal  is  more  than  I  am  able  to  tell ;  but  I  made  up  my 
mind  that  in  future,  whether  merchants  or  princes 
should  happen  to  be  at  the  table,  I  would  try  to  keep 
from  being  excited. 

We  started  for  home,  and  there  came  up  one  of  the 
heaviest  thunder  showers  I  ever  experienced.  The 
roads  began  to  get  muddy,  and  when  we  arrived  home 
we  presented  a  far  different  appearance  from  what  we 
did  when  we  left  in  the  morning. 

I  remained  in  the  store  all  the  next  winter  without 
losing  but  one  or  two  days.  "We  had  but  little  snow 
and  the  roads  were  generally  very  muddy  indeed. 
Whenever  we  had  a  short  run  of  sleighing,  the  young 
folks  improved  it  by  going  off  to  balls  or  parties  in  the 
evening.  1  was  generally  invited  to  accompany  them, 
but  invariably  refused  with  one  exception. 

There  was  to  be  a  ball  some  twelve  miles  from  where 
I  lived,  and  they  sent  a  special  invitation  for  me  to 
come.  Two  ladies  were  to  accompany  me.  We  started 
off  in  a  snow  storm,  and  on  arriving  at  our  destination 
we  found  the  clerk  who  was  my  predecessor  in  the 
store. 

As  I  never  danced  I  thought  it  best  not  to  learn, 
and  therefore,  giving  the  ladies  in  charge  to  my  friend, 
I  felt  at  liberty  to  do  as  I  pleased,  so  long  as  I  did  not 


112  CORRECTING  A  MISTAKE. 

get  intoxicated.  So  going  down  to  the  bar-room  I 
took  a  drink.  When  supper  time  came,  I  sat  down  at 
the  table  beside  the  same  young  lady,  with  considera- 
ble less  embarrassment  than  on  a  former  occasion. 

It  was  piercing  cold  the  next  morning ;  and  after 
having  taken  a  parting  drink  with  my  friends,  we  got 
into  the  sleigh,  covered  ourselves  up  with  the  robes 
and  rode  home. 

This  was  in  the  year  1857.  Many  of  my  readers 
will  remember  that  there  was  great  financial  embar- 
rassment during  that  year  all  over  the  country ;  and 
especially  did  they  feel  it  in  the  West.  No  money 
passed  current  at  that  time  in  that  state,  excepting  the 
State  .Bank  bills  of  Ohio,  and,  of  course,  gold  and  sil- 
ver. There  might  have  been  a  few  banks  whose  bills 
passed  current,  but  they  were  very  few. 

One  day  a  German  physician  came  into  the  store 
and  purchased  a  few  small  articles,  giving  me  in  pay- 
ment a  ten-dollar  bill  on  one  of  the  banks  in  Sandusky 
City — we  both  supposing  it  to  be  good.  When  my 
employer  came  in  he  told  me  at  once  that  it  was  worth- 
less, and  I  said— 

"Sir,  I  will  get  good  money  for  it  before  night." 

I  immediately  went  to  the  stable,  harnessed  the  horse, 
hitched  him  before  the  carriage,  and  started  in  pursuit 
of  the  doctor.  I  drove  up  to  the  door  just  as  he  en- 
tered the  house,  presenting  him  the  bill,  telling  him 
that  it  was  not  good  ;  he  immediately  counted  out  good 
money  in  exchange  for  it,  and,  wheeling  round  my 
horse,  I  drove  back  to  the  store  in  time  to  wait  upon 
my  evening  customers. 


ADRIFT.  113 

I  remained  in  the  store  until  about  the  middle  of 
spring,  and  was  then  nearly  nineteen  years  old,  when 

Dr.  "W" proposed  to  me  to  enter  his  office  for  the 

purpose  of  studying  medicine.  As  there  was  some  dif- 
ference of  opinion  between  myself  and  my  employer,  I 
accepted  the  proposal  and  left  the  store ;  but  owing  to 
circumstances  I  did  not  enter  his  office.  He  was  short- 
ly afterwards  taken  ill  and  died.  Thus  my  hopes  of 
ever  becoming  a  physician  were  nipped  in  the  bud,  and 
I  then  made  up  my  mind  to  return  home,  and  started 
with  the  full  determination  of  doing  so. 

On  arriving  at  Cleveland  I  fell  in  with  a  gentleman 
whom  I  had  previously  met,  and  we  spent  an  hour  or 
two  together.  I  then  took  the  cars  for  Buffalo.  On 
reaching  there,  I  changed  my  mind  in  regard  to  re- 
turning home,  and  when  the  steamer  left  for  Cleveland 
the  next  day  I  returned  again,  hoping  that  I  might 
find  employment  there ;  not  meeting  with  success  I 
became  discouraged.  Having  a  few  dollars  in  my  pock- 
et, to  drown  trouble  I  began  to  drink,  thus  rendering 
my  condition  more  and  more  miserable. 

After  remaining  there  for  a  day  or  two,  suffering  in 
a  manner  I  will  not  now  relate,  I  fell  in  with  a  man 
who  had  shipped  on  board  a  lake  steamer  which  was 
going  to  Chicago.  He  procured  me  a  situation  as  deck 
hand  ;  I  held  the  position  until  the  steamer  arrived  in 
Chicago,  when,  being  fully  satisfied  with  my  experi- 
ence on  the  water  as  a  deck  hand,  I  left  her. 

After  wandering  around  the  sunken  streets  of  Chi- 
cago  for  a  day  or  two,  I  once  more  turned  my  face  to- 
wards home. 


CHAPTEK  XIV. 

T  this  time  my  worldly  goods  were  very 
limited.  My  funds,  in  the  aggregate, 
amounted  to  about  twelve  dollars.  I  had  on 
a  fair  suit  of  clothes,  and  rny  carpet-sack 
contained  a  change  of  linen  besides  several  other  nec- 
essary articles. 

While  trying  to  find  the  steamboat  pier,  I  met  a 
representative  from  the  Emerald  Isle.  I  asked  him 
politely  if  he  could  tell  me  at  what  time  a  steamer  would 
leave  for  Cleveland ;  said  he — 

"  Is  it  the  capt'in  yez  take  me  for  ?  By  the  holy  St. 
Patrick,  it's  the  capt'in  I'm  after  wishing  I  was,  and 
we'd  soon  have  a  wee  dhrop  together,  and  then  to 
Cleveland  you  should  go,  free  of  expense,  as  sure  as 
me  name  is  Dennis  O'Kafferty." 

The  good-natured  language  and  appearance  of  this 
wanderer  from  the  bogs,  warmed  my  feelings  towards 
him  to  such  an  extent  that  I  asked  him  to  take  a  drop 
of  cordial  with  me  in  an  adjoining  groggery.  Scratch- 
ing his  head,  with  the  greatest  satisfaction  depicted  on 


CHICAGO  RIVER  BUMMERS.  115 

his  sun-burned  visage,  he  assented  readily,  heaving  a 
sigh  of  relief,  as  though  he  had  been  wishing  for  that 
invitation  all  the  morning.  We  walked  toward  the 
groggery,  the  old  fellow  remarking  as  we  went,  that 
he  should  have  invited  me  to  drink  with  him,  but  he 
had  not  had  a  red  in  his  pocket  since  the  wake  of  Tom 
Nolan. 

As  we 'entered  the  bar-room,  which  was  in  a  base- 
ment below  the  sidewalk,  the  man  behind  the  bar — 
the  professional  poison  dispenser — looked  as  though  he 
had  also  attended  at  the  wake  of  the  late  Nolan, 
and  seen  the  whole  thing  through ;  one  of  his  eyes 
was  dressed  in  mourning,  and  his  nose  looked  like  a 
boiled  beet ;  The  bar  was  situated  in  one  corner  of 
the  cellar, — for  it  was  nothing  else — and  scattered 
around  the  room,  in  various  stages  of  sobriety  were  a 
number  of  Chicago  River  bummers.  If  there  is  a 
worse  looking  set  of  men  in  the  civilized  world,  I 
would  rather  not  see  them. 

I  have  rambled  about  the  world  somewhat ;  and 
no  place  can  produce  worse  men  than  those  frequent- 
ing the  low  haunts  of  crime  about  Chicago.  The  Five 
Points  of  New  York  is  respectable  to  some  portions  of 
Chicago ;  but,  thanks  to  Long  John  Wentworth,  some 
of  these  haunts  are  destroyed.  I  have  no  desire  now 
to  investigate  very  deeply  into  the  mysteries  and  mis- 
eries of  the  aforesaid  city ;  but  my  recollections  are 
not  very  flattering  to  that  certain  class  that  I  became 
connected  with  that  morning  while  taking  a  quiet 
drink  with  Dennis  O'Rafferty. 

As  soon  as  we  entered  and  called  for  our  drinks  two 


116  DEAD-BEATS. 

rough-looking  beats  came  up,  and  one  of  them  said — 

"  Stranger,  we'll  drink  with  you,  as  you  are  a  fair 
looking  chap.  Where  are  yer  traveling  ? " 

I  paid  for  our  drinks  ;  I  knew  they  were  spoiling  for 
a  fight,  and,  rather  than  have  any  difficulty  then  and 
there,  I  paid  for  theirs  also,  and  beckoned  Dennis  to 
come  on,  which  he  seemed  very  willing  to  do,  having 
taken  a  very  stiff  horn.  I  observed  that  he  had  wait- 
ed until  the  bar-keeper's  attention  was  attracted,  and 
very  quickly  filled  his  glass  to  the  brim,  covering  *it 
with  his  enormous  fist. 

Entering  the  street  again,  Dennis,  wiping  his  mouth 
with  his  rusty  sleeve,  said — 

"  Be  jabbers,  if  me  mother  gave  me  that  quality  of 
milk,  I'd  not  be  waned  till  yet." 

We  felt  somewhat  better  from  our  slight  indulgence. 
I  speak  for  both,  as  I  could  judge  my  companion  by 
the  sparkle  of  his  eye  and  confident  air. 

When  we  arrived  at  the  dock  my  friend  of  the 
morning  pointed  out  to  me  the  Cleveland  steamer, 
saying — 

"  Now  me  man,  there  is  the  boat  that  will  just  take 
yez  where  yez  want  to  go,  and  it's  a  safe  voige  I'm 
wishing  ye'll  have,  and  long  life  to  yez.  You'll  be 
after  gething  yer  ticket  at  the  winder,  when  the  cap- 
t'in  comes  aboard." 

I  bade  good-bye  to  Dennis,  and  with  thanks  for  his 
information  and  good  wishes  for  his  future,  I  went  on 
board  the  boat  and  sauntered  into  the  cabin,  to  wait 
for  the  time  of  sailing.  Waiting  on  a  boat  or  in  a  .de- 
pot is  very  dreary,  as  people  are  aware  who  have  trav- 


WORKING  MY  PASS  A  GK  117 

eled,  especially  in  a  strange  place.  As  I  sat  in  that 
cabin,  far  away  from  friends  and  home,  a  strong  feeling 
of  melancholy  came  over  me,  and,  as  all  know  who  have 
ever  been  addicted  to  strong  drink,  my  only  resort, 
feeling  as  I  did,  was  to  indulge  again  ;  but  I  gave  the 
river  groceries  a  wide  berth,  and  extended  my  walk  to 
a  more  respectable  bar, — if  anything  in  that  line  can 
be  called  respectable — and  while  there  purchased  a  bot- 
tle of  brandy,  thinking  it  would  come  handy  on  the 
lake. 

On  my  arrival  again  at  the  boat  I  deposited  the 
brandy  in  my  carpet-sack,  and  did  not  have  long  to 
wait  before  the  captain  made  his  appearance.  I  lost 
no  time  in  introducing  myself  and  stating  my  case  to 
him,  as  I  had  made  up  my  mind  to  work  my  passage 
through  if  possible.  I  informed  him  I  was  not  very 
well  supplied  with  cash,  and  wanted  to  make  my  way 
home  to  the  East ;  that  if  there  was  a  chance  I  would 
work  my  passage  on  this  boat. 

He  asked  me  what  I  could  do.  I  told  him  I  would 
do  anything  he  thought  fit.  He  told  me  to  take  pen- 
cil and  paper,  and  foot  up  the  freight  bills.  I  com- 
menced, and  in  about  half  an  hour  I  had  them  ready 
for  his  inspection.  After  looking  them  over  he  told 
me  to  foot  them  up  again,  which  I  did,  and  then  asked 
him  what  I  should  do  next.  He  said,  foot  them  up 
again.  I  complied  again  with  his  request  the  third 
time,  and  had  the  order  repeated  the  fourth  time.  I 
now  began  to  think  that  he  was  testing  me ;  and  I 
made  up  my  mind  to  keep  on  casting  up  his  accounts 
over  and  over  until  he  was  satisfied.  I  presume  that 


118  AN  ECCENTRIC  CAPTAIN. 

he  had  heard  or  read  of  the  poor  man's  story  in  con-, 
nection  with  Stephen  Girard,  and  as  it  may  not  be 
out  of  place,  and  some  of  my  readers  perhaps  have  not 
heard  it  I  will  relate  the  circumstances. 

One  day,  as  Mr.  Girard  was  standing  on  his  wharf 
in  Philadelphia,  a  man  accosted  him  with  a  request  for 
work,  stating  that  he  was  in  absolute  want. 

"  Very  well,"  replied  the  millionaire,  "  I  will  give 
you  employment.  There  is  a  quantity  of  lumber  in 
the  loft  of  my  storehouse  which  you  may  bring  down 
and  place  here  on  the  pier." 

The  man  divested  himself  of  his  coat,  and  went  to 
work  with  a  right  good  will.  He  brought  the  lumber 
all  down  as  ordered ;  then  went  and  asked,  what  next, 
and  was  told  to  take  the  same  back  again  to  the  loft, 
which  he  did ;  and,  the  same  orders  being  repeated,  he 
brought  down  and  took  up  the  lumber  several  times  in 
succession.  Then  he  went  to  Mr.  Girard,  and  said — 

"I  do  not  see  the  necessity  of  this." 

"  "Well,  well,  my  man,  that  is  all  the  work  I  have 
for  you  to  do,  and  if  you  do  not  want  to  do  it  I  will 
pay  you  off.  But  if  you  wish  to  work  I  will  give  you 
two  dollars  per  day  as  long  as  you  are  satisfied." 

The  man  concluded  to  continue  on,  and  when  his 
week  was  up  he  went  to  the  office  and  drew  his  pay. 
This  he  continued  to  do  for  a  long  time,  thus  earning 
a  good  living  for  himself  and  family. 

When  I  had  presented  the  accounts  to  the  captain 
the  sixth  time,  he  said — 

"  That  will  do,  my  boy,"  at  the  same  time  slapping 
me  on  the  shoulder,  and  then  exclaiming — 


A  GALE  ON  LAKE  ERIE.  119 

"  God  bless  you !  you  shall  have  a  free  passage,  and 
as  good  fare  as  the  boat  affords.  I  like  your  persever- 
ance. I  was  a  poor  boy  myself,  and  by  that  quality, 
coupled  with  honesty,  I  have  made  myself  what  you 
now  see  me." 

I  felt  overjoyed  at  the  kindness  manifested  towards 
me  by  the  captain,  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he 
was  one  of  nature's  noblest  men.  As  he  requested,  I 
made  myself  at  home  on  the  boat,  and  should  doubtless 
have  enjoyed  myself  during  the  voyage  had  we  not 
encountered  one  of  those  storms,  unknown  any  where 
but  on  the  American  Lakes. 

That  night  of  storm,  confusion  and  horror  will  never 
be  effaced  from  my  memory  ;  and  as  I  sit  at  my  table 
writing,  I  seem  to  live  over  again  in  imagination  the 
scenes  of  that  dismal  night.  The  roaring  waters,  crash- 
ing thunder,  howling  wind  and  creaking  timbers,  min- 
gled with  the  screams  of  women  and  children,  prayers 
and  curses  of  men, — these  together  made  me  think  the 
last  day  had  surely  come. 

Sailors  tell  of  storms  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  in 
the  China  Seas ;  but  I  have  talked  with  those  who  have 
sailed  the  globe  over,  who  say  they  have  never  encoun- 
tered worse  storms  anywhere  than  on  our  Western 
Lakes.  Storms  arise  very  suddenly,  and  the  short 
swells,  and  absence  of  sea  room  to  ride  out  a  long  gale 
make  our  lake  navigation  very  dangerous. 

I  had  retired  to  my  berth,  and  the  first  indication  I 
had  of  the  gale  was  that  I  was  thrown  violently  from 
the  berth  to  the  cabin  floor.  While  lying  there,  brac- 
ing myself  in  the  best  way  I  could,  a  man  came  stag' 


120  AN  ACCIDENT. 

gering  across  the  floor,  grasping  any  thing  he  could,  to 
hold  himself  up.  As  he  came  towards  me  he  lost  his 
balance,  and  fell,  striking  his  head  against  one  of  the 
cabin  posts  or  pillars  that  support  the  deck,  knocking 
him  senseless,  and  badly  cutting  his  head. 

My  first  impulse  was  to  crawl  to  see  if  I  could  not 
render  some  assistance.  It  was  impossible  for  me  to 
walk.  I  found  him,  to  all  appearances,  lifeless.  My 
God  !  thought  I,  the  man  is  dead.  Then  the  thought 
struck  me — if  they  find  me  with  him  they  will  think 
I  killed  him. 

I  dragged  myself  along  to  my  berth,  and  found  my 
bottle  of  brandy,  which,  fortunately,  was  nearly  full, 
as  I  had  only  taken  two  drinks  since  we  had  left  Chi- 
cago. I  went  back  to  the  man,  and  found  him  still 
senseless.  I  moistened  his  lips  with  brandy,  at  the 
same  time  bathing  his  face  and  hands.  He  soon 
began  to  show  signs  of  returning  consciousness.  Hope 
revived,  and  I  kept  on  bathing  him.  Finally  he 
opened  his  eyes,  and  in  the  dim  lamp-light  they  looked 
glassy.  I  put  my  head  down  close  to  his  lips,  and  he 
asked  faintly  for  more  brandy,  which  I  gave  him. 
His  first  words  after  fully  recovering  were,  "  How 
came  I  here?  What  did  they  do  it  for?" 

This  convinced  me  that  his  mind  was  wandering ; 
so,  binding  up  his  head  with  my  pocket  handkerchief, 
and  giving  my  blankets  and  pillow  to  make  him  com- 
fortable, I  returned  to  my  bunk  and  clung  like  a  bar- 
nacle for  dear  life.  The  storm  still  raged  in  fierce 
fury,  and  I  thought  we  would  all  soon  be  in  Davy 
Jones's  locker. 


A  NEW  ACQUAINTANCE.  121 

About  twelve  o'clock  the  next  day  the  fury  of  the 
storm  abated,  and  with  the  exception  of  a  slight  swell 
we  were  sailing  through  a  comparatively  smooth  sea. 
I  noticed  my  wounded  friend  of  the  previous  night 
walking  the  forward  deck,  looking  as  well  as  could  be 
expected  under  the  circumstances ;  but  I  must  confess 
that  his  appearance  must  have  looked  to  a  person  not 
acquainted  with  the  events  of  the  gale,  rather  pugilis- 
tic. 

In  due  time  we  reached  Cleveland,  and  I  joyfully 
shook  the  spray  of  Lake  Erie  from  my  feet  and  was 
not  sorry  to  plant  them  once  more  on  terra  firma. 
Wending  my  way  to  an  adjoining  restaurant,!  indulged 
in  a  stiff  horn  of  brandy  and  ordered  breakfast. 
After  satisfying  the  inner  man  I  strolled  about  the 
streets  of  the  Forest  City. 

During  my  perambulations  it  was  my  good  fortune 
to  fall  in  with  a  gentleman  who  was  traveling  east,  and 
we  dropped  into  several  drinking  saloons  during  our 
stay,  adding  to  our  bar-room  experiences.  When  the 
time  came  for  our  departure  we  purchased  tickets  for 
Buffalo,  by  rail  via  Lake  Shore  Line,  where  we  arrived 
safely  at  night. 

The  hackmen  met  us  as  only  Buffalo  and  Niagara 
Falls  hackmen  can.  They  were  determined  we  should 
have  a  hack  at  any  rate.  We  judged  that  every  hotel, 
one-horse  eating  house,  and  rum  shop  in  the  city  was 
represented.  We  were  surrounded  and  at  their  mercy. 

If  a  Camanche  warrior  had  stood  in  that  crowd  and 
heard  their  wild  yells,  he  would  doubtless  have  thrown 
up  the  sponge  in  their  favor,  and  have  gone  back  to 
6 


122  TOO  MUCH  FOR  HA  GET. 

his  tribe  on  the  plains  with  an  exalted  opinion  of  the 
yelling  capacities  of  Buffalo  runners. 

One  fellow  more  bold  than  the  rest  followed  us 
until  my  traveling  friend  thought  it  was  about  time  to 
show  his  colors ;  so  squaring  himself,  a  la  Heenan,  he 
gave  him  a  tip  in  the  mug,  which  brought  the  claret, 
and  also  the  man  to  the  ground,  if  I  may  be  permitted 
to  use  the  slang  of  the  ring. 

"Now,"  said  my  friend,  "if  you  don't  travel,  and 
let  peaceable  strangers  alone,  I'll  hack  you  finer  than 
sausage  meat,  and  you  will  have  to  charter  a  hack  to 
take  you  to  your  place  of  residence." 

By  this  time  Hacky  came  to  the  sensible  conclusion 
that  he  had  struck  the  wrong  crowd,  and  that  it  was 
about  time  to  beat  a  retreat,  which  he  did  in  bad 
marching  order,  with  his  colors  trailing  in  Buffalo 
mud  ;  and  we  saw  him  no  more. 

After  our  experiences  with  these  city  denizens,  we 
came  to  the  conclusion  to  take  our  immediate  depart- 
ure. My  money  had  been  slowly  diminishing ;  but 
my  friend  told  me  that  if  I  would  extend  my  travels 
to  New  York  City  he  would  pay  my  expenses.  There 
was  existing  at  this  time  a  rivalry  between  the  New 
York  Central  and  Erie  railroad. 

While  we  stood  at  the  ticket  office  making  inquiries, 
I  observed  a  gentlemanly-looking  person  coming  across 
the  room  towards  us,  and  he  soon  stood  at  my  side. 
I  supposed  he  wished  to  purchase  a  ticket ;  but  when 
my  attention  was  attracted  in  an  opposite  direction,  he 
deliberately  took  up  my  carpet-sack,  which  lay  near 
me  on  the  floor,  and  made  for  the  door. 


AN  ASTONISHED  THIEF.  123 

I  saw  that  there  was  no  time  to  lose.  Springing 
towards  him  with  all  the  energy  I  possessed,  I  grasped 
him  by  the  collar  just  as  he  reached  the  door.  In 
another  moment  he  would  have  escaped  me ;  but  I 
had  him  fast.  Said  I — 

"  That  is  my  satchel,  sir,  and  I  shall  have  to  troub- 
le you  for  it." 

He  seemed  to  be  very  much  surprised,  and  made 
many  apologies,  remarking  that  he  must  have  made 
a  mistake  ;  but  as  he  had  none  of  his  own  in  view  I  could 
not  see  the  point. 

By  this  time  my  friend  was  at  my  side,  saying — 

"Just  pass  that  chap  over  to  me ;  I'll  settle  his  hash 
in  double  quick  time." 

I  have  no  doubt  he  would  have  done  it,  judging 
from  what  I  had  witnessed  on  our  arrival,  but  I  beg- 
ged  him  not  to  harm  the  man  as  he  would  never  have 
a  chance  to  steal  anything  from  us  again . 

"  That  makes  no  difference  ;  he  will  steal  from  some 
one,"  said  my  friend. 

But  I  finally  prevailed  on  him  to  let  the  would-be 
thief  off  without  any  great  harm.  He  could  not  how- 
ever resist  taking  him  by  the  ear  and  leading  him  out 
on  the  street,  assisting  him  somewhat  on  the  way  by  a 
slight  application  of  boot-leather. 

After  these  events  we  continued  on  our  journey, 
and  on  our  arrival  at  Albany,  with  many  thanks  to  rny 
comrade  of  a  day  for  his  great  kindness  in  inviting 
me  to  accompany  him  to  New  York,  I  declined,  for  on 
nearing  my  friends,  I  naturally  wished  to  visit  them. 
"We  had  several  parting  drinks  together,  and  took  an 


124  A  VISIT  TO  RELATIVES. 

affectionate  farewell.  I  have  never  met  him  since,  but 
still  remember  his  genial,  off-hand  good  fellowship, 
and  entertain  a  respect  for  his  muscular  developments. 

Not  far  from  Albany  I  found  relatives,  who  cor- 
dially welcomed  me  and  I  had  some  very  pleasant 
times  in  their  society  ;  many  sails  on  the  noble  Hud- 
son were  not  the  least  of  the  enjoyments  I  had  during 
those  halcyon  days. 

But  my  pleasures  were  arrested  by  a  violent  illness 
that  prostrated  me  and  confined  me  to  my  bed  for 
three  long  months,  reducing  me  to  a  shadow.  The 
kindness  shown  me  by  my  relatives  forced  on  me  a 
debt  of  gratitude  which  I  can  never  repay  ;  especially 
to  my  cousin  John  Anderson  and  his  noble-hearted 
wife,  at  whose  house  I  was  kindly  entertained  during 
my  protracted  illness.  My  half-brother  I  must  not 
forget.  His  frequent  visits  and  sympathy  will  cause 
me  to  remember  William  Fuller  with  exceeding  grat- 
itude ;  also  his  subsequent  aid  in  one  of  the  darkest 
hours  of  my  life. 

After  I  had  sufficiently  recovered  I  took  the  boat 
for  New  York,  and  from  thence  went  to  New  Jersey ; 
and  there  I  staid  until  I  recruited  my  strength  suf- 
ficiently, and  then  I  made  my  way  to  Oswego  County, 
New  York,  where  my  parents  resided.  They  were 
very  happy  to  see  me  after  my  long  absence  from 
home.  Here  I  was  again  taken  sick,  and  did  not  leave 
the  house  for  three  weeks. 

During  my  convalescence,  I  used  to  amuse  myself 
by  watching  the  interesting  processes  in  the  manu- 
facture of  window  glass, — a  large  glass  factory  being 


THE  GLASS-BLOWERS.  125 

near  at  hand.  As  many  of  my  readers  may  not  have 
had  an  opportunity  of  witnessing  the  different  stages 
iii  the  manufacture  of  this  indispensable  article,  I  will 
describe,  as  minutely  and  intelligibly  as  I  can,  what  I 
saw  of  this  valuable  product  of  American  industry. 

The  men  engaged  in  glass-blowing  are  not  the  most 
temperate  men  in  the  world.  Many  of  them  drink  to 
excess,  and  not  a  few  drink  up  nearly  all  their 
earnings. 

In  the  factory  at  that  time  were  several  glass-blow- 
ers from  England,  who  made  larger  cylinders  than  any 
other  workmen  there,  some  being  nearly  ten  feet  in 
length. 

These  cylinders  were  twice  the  thickness  of  ordi- 
nary glass,  and  required  much  skill  in  handling. 
They  would  whirl  them  over  their  heads  with  great 
velocity.  The  whole  building  would  be  as  light  as 
day,  while  the  heat  emanating  from  the  furnaces  and 
molten  glass  made  it  quite  comfortable  for  those 
working  in  other  portions  of  the  factory,  even  in  the 
coldest  season. 

The  heat,  however,  was  very  oppressive  for  those 
engaged  near  the  furnaces :  it  was  so  intense  that  men 
could  only  endure  it  for  a  moment  at  a  time.  They 
would  run  up  to  the  pots  containing  the  melted  glass, 
thrust  in  their  blow-pipes,  and  roll  them  around  for 
an  instant  to  gather  a  sufficient  quantity .  They  would 
then  step  quickly  back,  at  the  same  time  blowing 
through  the  tubes,  which  were  carried  far  above  their 
heads,  and  whirled  back  and  forth  with  great  dex- 
terity. 


126  FIRST  DISCO  VER  Y  OF  GLASS. 

Finally,  with  blowing,  swinging,  and  balancing,  the 
cylinder  is  blown  to  the  proper  size,  and  is  then 
laid  away  to  cool.  After  that  a  red-hot  iron  rod  is 
run  through  it,  which  separates  it  on  one  side.  It  is 
then  taken  to  the  flattening  room,  and  from  thence  to 
another  department  where  it  is  cut  with  diamonds  in- 
to window-panes. 

Glass  is  manufactured  from  sand  and  other  ingre- 
dients. It  is  said  that  it  was  first  discovered  by  a 
party  of  soldiers  who  were  encamped  on  the  sandy 
shores  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea.  They  saw,  when 
they  were  about  to  resume  their  march  in  the  morn- 
ing, that  the  sand  on  which  they  had  built  their  fire 
was  in  a  melted  state,  and  that  it  was  transparent. 


CHAPTEE  XY. 

recovered  iny  health  in  a  measure, 
and  not  believing  in  waiting  for  something  to 
turn  up,  I  determined  to  start  out  immediate- 
ly to  see  what  Dame  Fortune  had  in  store  for 
me.  The  snow  at  this  time  was  nearly  three  feet  deep ; 
as  I  could  not  travel  as  a  pedestrian  I  contracted  with 
a  gentleman  to  take  me  in  his  sleigh  some  thirty  miles 

to  the  village  of  O .  The  snow  being  so  deep,  our 

journey  was  necessarily  slow. 

The  first  hotel  we  came  to  my  friend  reined  in  his 
horses,  and  we  entered  the  house.  Here  we  met  a 
man  about  half-seas  over,  who  addressed  us  on  sight 
with — 

"Hill-hill-hillo  stran — hie — gers.  "Where— hie— the  d- 
d-devil  did  yer — hie — come  from?  Le'ss— hie— take  some 
— hie — pen  to  drink — hie — I'm  on — hie — fun  and— hie 
— lousy  with  money,"  at  the  same  time  pulling  a 
handful  of  silver  from  his  pocket,  several  pieces  of 
which  dropped  on  the  floor. 

I  picked  them  up  and  handed  them  to  him.  Said 
he—  127 


128  A  PHRENOLOGIST. 

"  You  seem — hie — to  be — hie — a  honest  chap — hie ; 
—but  being — hie — a  phrenol — hie — ogist  I  know  you 
— hie — are  by  your — hie — bumps.  Keep  the — hie — 
change,  lad,  there's — hie — more  where — hie — that 
came — hie — from." 

I  finally  prevailed  on  him  to  take  the  money,  after 
which  we  accepted  his  invitation  to  drink. 

He  certainly  was  the  roughest  specimen  of  humanity 
it  had  been  my  fortune  to  meet  for  a  long  time.  Swear- 
ing seemed  his  forte.  Oaths  rolled  over  his  lips  like 
rain-drops  off  the  back  of  a  goose.  His  nose  was  an 
exaggerated  Roman ;  and  I  thought  at  the  time  that 
he  would  be  very  proficient  in  the  business  of  cherry 
picking  and  might  earn  good  wages  by  the  job,  as  he 
could  hang  on  a  limb  with  his  nose,  and  use  both  hands 
to  gather  the  fruit.  His  eye  (he  had  but  one)  looked 
like  a  fried  egg  floating  in  sweet  oil. 

He  informed  us  that  he  had  a  great  mouth  for  rum, 
and  we  were  fully  convinced  of  it  before  we  parted 
with  him,  for  his  regular  time  between  drinks  was  just 
five  minutes.  His  face  was  completely  covered  with 
toddy  blossoms,  and,  take  him  altogether,  he  was  a  liv- 
ing temperance  lecture — a  perfect  wreck  of  manhood, 
and  a  warning  to  all  those  who  join  in  the  social  glass. 

He  probably  started  in  life  with  as  fair  prospects  as 
the  average  of  young  men  have ;  what  a  loathsome 
sight  had  he  now  become !  A  few  short  years  before 
he  was  a  free-hearted,  happy  boy,  the  pride  of  his 
mother  and  the  joy  of  his  father.  In  an  unguarded 
moment  he,  probably,  took  his  first  glass,  which  launch- 
ed him  on  the  raging  sea  of  intemperance,  where  many 


UNTITLED  HEROES.  129 

a  staunch  craft  has  foundered,  and  sunk  beneath  the 
red  waves. 

While  writing  of  this  man  my  thoughts  wander  back 
to  the  dangerous  position  I  was  then  in,  fully  embarked 
on  the  same  traitorous  tide.  How  thankful  I  am  that 
I  was  enabled  by  God's  goodness  to  about  ship,  and 
return  to  the  port  of  temperance,  to  anchor  at  last  in 
that  harbor  of  security,  where  I  hope  ever  to  remain, 
safe  from  the  storms  that  howl  around  me.  What 
greater  victory  can  man  achieve  than  to  conquer  him- 
self? 

When  a  poor  victim  of  intemperance  conies  trembling 
up  to  sign  the  pledge,  I  feel  that  he  has  shown  himself 
to  be  a  hero.  We  may  talk  of  heroes  of  the  past.  We 
point  to  Alexander,  the  conqueror  of  the  world ;  Han- 
nibal, surmounting  the  snowy  peaks  of  the  Alps ;  Wel- 
lington, at  Waterloo ;  Caesar,  crossing  the  Rubicon ; 
Napolean,  at  the  bridge  of  Lodi ;  Nelson,  who  at  one 
fell  blow  destroyed  the  combined  maratime  powers  of 
France  and  Spain  off  Cape  Trafalgar ;  our  immortal 
Washington,  leading  his  thin-clad  soldiers  o'er  the 
blood-stained  snows  of  seven  winters ;  but  none  of  these 
momentous  conquests,  decided  though  they  were,  can 
be  compared  to  the  glorious  victory  which  a  poor,  de- 
luded drunkard  obtains,  when  he  defeats  the  serried 
hosts  of  King  Alcohol,  and,  horse,  foot,  and  artillery, 
sends  them  cowering  to  the  wall. 

"  Let  others  write  of  battles,  fought  on  bloody,  gory  fields, 
Where  honor  greets  the  man  who  Wins,  and  death  the  man  who 

yields ; 
But  I  will  write  of  him  who  fights  and  conquereth  his  sins ; 

6* 


130  IN  THE  SNOW-DRIFTS. 

Who  struggles  on  through  weary  years  against  himself,  and  wins : 

He  may  not  wear  a  hero's  crown,  nor  fill  a  hero's  grave, 

But  Truth  will  place  his  name  among  the  bravest  of  the  brave  1" 

We  remained  at  the  way-side  inn  until  our  horses 
were  rested,  and  during  that  time  imbibed  rather  free- 
ly ;  the  consequence  was  we  were  feeling  rather  jolly. 
Taking  a  parting  drink  with  the  good-natured  landlord, 
we  tumbled  into  our  sleigh  and  started  off  to  complete 
the  journey.  The  road  was  almost  impassable  for 
most  of  the  way,  and  we  were  tossed  about  like  a  ship 
in  a  gale  of  wind. 

Finally,  we  reached  a  place  in  the  road  where  the 
snow  lay  piled  in  immense  drifts.  While  the  horses 
were  plunging,  and  exerting  themselves  to  get  through, 
the  sleigh  suddenly  capsized,  precipitating  us  into  the 
snow.  I  found  myself  completely  buried,  but  man- 
aged to  clamber  out,  and  after  some  difficulty  gained  a 
secure  footing. 

After  shaking  the  snow  from  my  garments,  my  next 
thought  was  for  my  companion.  He  was  nowhere  to 
be  seen ;  but  a  pair  of  number  nine  cowhides,  project- 
ing from  an  adjoining  drift,  were  rather  convincing  proof 
that  he  was  still  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 

I  had  not  sufficiently  recovered  to  go  to  the  assist- 
ance of  the  aforesaid  boots,  but  saw  they  contained 
life,  for  they  were  soon  mimicing  all  the  fancy  steps 
of  a  French  dancing-master  in  the  air ;  and  I  had  the 
satisfaction  of  seeing  legs,  body,  and  then  the  head  and 
shoulders  of  my  friend  appear  in  a  well-frosted  condi- 
tion. 

Winking,  blinking,  and  shaking  himself,  he  let  off  a 


THE  CANAL  GROCERY  IN  WINTER.  131 

volley  of  oaths  that  would  have  gained  great  favor 
with  a  Kidd,  or  any  other  piratical  marauder. 

As  good  luck  would  have  it  the  horses  were  pretty 
well  anchored  in  the  snow,  and  did  not  seem  very 
much  inclined  to  proceed  farther.  We  soon  secured 
them,  righted  the  sleigh,  resumed  our  seats,  and  started 
on  as  well  as  the  difficulties  of  the  road  would  permit. 

The  next  place  we  reined  up  at  was  what  they  term 
in  that  section  a  canal  grocery.  These  rum  shops  are 
open  during  the  summer  months  for  the  accommoda- 
tion, or  destruction,  of  boatmen  on  the  canal.  They 
usually  keep  a  small  stock  of  groceries,  but  their  prin- 
cipal income  is  derived  from  selling  bad  whisky.  Some 
say  it  will  kill  as  far  as  a  Sharpe's  rifle ;  others  that  it 
is  as  effective  as  Jersey  lightning ;  consequently  the 
customers  are  always  required  to  pay  in  advance. 

Some  few  of  these  places  are  kept  open  through  the 
winter  season  ;  and  there  the  lowest  of  humanity  con- 
gregate, to  drink,  swear,  play  cards,  quarrel,  and  fight. 

We  were  rather  downcast  after  our  snow  bath,  and 
feeling  thirsty,  concluded  to  venture  in.  We  found 
the  room  to  be  about  fifteen  feet  square,  the  bar  occu- 
pying one  entire  side  of  the  den.  Overhead  were  sev- 
eral baskets,  hanging  from  rusty  nails,  that  looked  as 
though  they  had  waited  a  long  time  for  purchasers. 
The  principal  stock  in  trade  consisted  of  several  bar- 
rels, mounted  on  skids,  which  contained  more  or  less 
of  O.  B.  Joyful,  as  the  denizens  of  that  locality  termed 
it.  But  I  should  say  that  O.  B.  Sorrowful,  or  O.  B. 
Damned,  would  be  much  more  appropriate. 

The  last  name  reminds  me  of  a  story  that  was  related 


132  A  SWEARING  COMMUNITY. 

to  me  while  traveling  in  the  West.  The  incident  hap- 
pened in  California  some  years  since.  "While  a  gentle- 
man was  making  his  way  across  country  on  his  mule, 
he  came  to  Yuba  River ;  on  the  opposite  side  was  a 
village  called  Yuba  Dam  ;  but  he  was  ignorant  of  the 
above  facts.  As  he  rode  down  the  bank  to  ford  the 
stream,  he  saw  on  the  other  side  two  red-shirted  men 
engaged  in  a  rough-and-tumble  fight,  and  postponed 
his  movements  to  witness  the  result. 

In  a  few  minutes  one  of  the  men  crawled  off,  badly 
beaten,  into  the  bush,  and  the  other  coolly  sat  down  on 
a  stump  and  began  to  fill  his  pipe.  The  traveler,  see- 
ing that  all  was  over,  swam  his  mule  across,  and,  riding 
up  to  the  participant  in  the  late  unpleasantness,  said — 

"  Will  you  be  kind  enough  to  tell  me,  sir,  what  is 
the  name  of  this  town  ?" 

"  You-be-dam,"  was  the  surly  answer,  which  had  the 
effect  to  end  further  questions  of  the  traveler.  He 
started  up  his  mule  hastily,  thinking  that,  judging 
by  appearances,  it  would  not  take  much  to  get  up  an- 
other fight,  and  that  he  would  stand  a  chance  to  take 
a  hand. 

Riding  on  through  the  town,  which  consisted  of 
three  log  houses,  a  blacksmith's  shop,  and  a  couple  of 
groceries,  he  saw  a  woman  at  a  door,  and,  being  still 
anxious  to  know  in  what  locality  he  was,  politely 
asked — 

"  Madam,  will  you  please  to  inform  me  what  town 
this  is?" 

Her  answer,  in  that  shrill  voice  only  heard  from  a 
woman  of  the  frontier,  was,  "  You-be-dam." 


"  WAKE  UP  TIM."  133 

Our  traveler  put  spurs  to  his  mule,  thinking  that 
the  people  were  not  very  choice  in  their  language,  nor 
courteous  to  strangers. 

On  reaching  the  outskirts  of  the  village,  seeing  a 
little  girl  making  mud  pies,  he  determined  to  make 
one  more  effort  to  learn  the  name  of  this  interesting 
hamlet,  and  accosted  her  with— 

"  My  pretty  little  girl,  what  is  the  name  of  this  vil- 


She  tossed  back  her  hair,  inserted  one  finger  in  her 
mouth,  and  lisped,  "  You-be-dam." 

This  was  enough  for  our  traveler.  He  drove  the 
rowels  deep  into  the  flanks  of  his  mule,  determined  to 
put  as  many  miles  as  possible  between  himself  and  a 
town  where  even  the  women  and  children  cursed  so 
frightfully. 

But  to  return  to  the  grocery.  There  was  a  rough 
bench  on  one  side  of  the  room,  on  which  was  seated 
a  half-dozen  of  the  regular  customers,  I  should  judge 
by  there  appearance.  They  were  in  all  stages  of  intox- 
ication, and  a  sorry  sight  to  behold.  One  fellow  had 
drank  himself'  into  a  stupor,  sleeping  that  sleep 
which  only  a  drunkard  can :  his  snoring  capacity 
was  extensive.  His  next  comrade  on  the  bench 
punched  him  repeatedly  saying — 

"  Wake  up  Tim  ;  it's  your  treat." 

We  made  up  our  minds  to  try  the  O.  B.  Joyful,  and 
not  wishing  to  be  thought  mean  we  invited  the  crowd ; 
it  was  very  surprising  how  quick  Tim  awoke  at  that 
time  ;  he  staggered  up  to  take  his  allowance,  rubbing 
his  bleared  eyes,  and  gazing  wistfully  at  the  liquor. 


134:  ON  THE  TOW-PATH. 

Our  drinks  brought  the  tears  to  our  eyes ;  the  liquor 
must  have  been  manufactured  from  Prussic  acid,  old 
boots,  and  pig-tail  tobacco. 

Our  stay  after  this  experience  was  short,  and  we 
were  soon  gliding  along  the  tow-path  in  good  style. 
It  was  after  dark  when  we  arrived  at  our  destination. 
Going  directly  to  a  public  house,  after  stabling  the 
horses  we  ordered  tea ;  but  before  supper  was  ready  I 
said  to  the  landlord — 

"  Have  you  any  good  brandy  ?" 

"  Yes  sir,"  remarked  he,  "  the  real  old  quill ;  try 
this,"  and  he  produced  a  black  bottle  from  a  nook 
under  the  bar. 

The  poison  we  had  imbibed  at  our  ]ast  stopping 
place  was,  I  should  judge,  made  to  produce  instead 
of  alay  thirst,  and  consequently  we  concluded,  as  we 
had  the  landlord's  word  the  article  before  us  was  prime, 
that  a  good  stiff  horn  would  not  hurt  us  any,  as  the 
last  portion  of  our  ride  had  been  quite  cold. 

After  our  drink  and  a  quiet  chat  by  the  old-fashioned 
fire  place,  we  seated  ourselves  at  a  well-set  table,  and 
enjoyed  the  meal  as  only  hungry  travelers  can.  After 
supper  we  had  another  pull  at  the  brandy  bottle,  took 
a  smoke  by  the  fire,  and  talked  over  our  day's  trip  ; 
then  retired. 

In  the  morning  I  settled  with  my  friend,  and,  bid- 
ding me  farewell,  pledging  me  good  luck  in  a  parting 
glass,  he  started  on  his  return  to  his  home. 


CHAPTEE  XYI. 

STOOD  stood  once  more  among  strangers 
with  the  world  before  me.  What  should  I  do  ? 
Where  should  I  go  ?  I  must  decide  both  ques- 
tions. I  sat  down  to  deliberate  but  could  not 
conclude  on  anything  definite,  and,  disliking  inaction, 
I  took  a  stroll  through  the  town. 

Judging  by  appearances  business  was  flourishing, 
and  there  seemed  to  be  improvements  in  progress  at 
various  portions  of  the  village. 

While  passing  a  store  my  attention  was  attracted 
by  seeing  a  number  of  bottles  labeled  peppermint, 
checkerberry,  etc.,  etc.  In  an  instant  the  thought 
occurred  to  me  that  these  essences  might  be  peddled 
through  the  country  with  considerable  success.  I 
thought  I  would  step  in  and  inquire  the  retail  price 
per  bottle  ;  the  proprietor  told  me  they  sold  for  fifteen 
and  twenty-five  cents  according  to  the  size  of  the  bot- 
tles. This  convinced  me  that  the  profit  must  be  one 
hundred  per  cent,  and  that  I  might  do  well  at  that 
business. 

No  sooner  had  this  idea  of  speculation  occurred  to 
135 


136  ALL  NIGHT  IN  A  BAR-ROOM. 

me  than  I  resolved  to  carry  it  into  effect.  I  went 
immediately  to  a  drug  store  to  ascertain  the  price  of 
alcohol  and  essential  oils.  After  ascertaining,  and 
making  my  calculations,  I  found  my  surmise  was  cor- 
rect ;  so  I  determined  to  commence  at  once  as  a  man- 
ufacturer and  peddler  of  essences. 

It  was  not  many  days  before  I  had  quite  a  large 
stock  in  trade,  and  was  ready  for  the  road.  Packing 
them  in  a  hand  trunk  I  started  through  the  country, 
selling  them  at  the  farm  houses  along  the  roads.  My 
first  success  was  so  nattering,  that  I  thought  certainly 
that  I  had  by  mere  chance  entered  the  road  to 
wealth. 

The  third  day  I  called  at  a  tavern  at  some  distance 
out  in  the  country  ;  and  feeling  rather  tired  and  way- 
worn, I  took  a  good  stiff  horn  of  whisky.  Not  hav- 
ing drank  any  for  a  few  day's  preceding,  it  went  to 
my  brain,  and  before  ten  minutes  had  elapsed  the  fact 
that  I  was  an  essence  peddler  had  departed  from  my 
mind.  There  was  the  usual  crowd  of  country  tavern 
oafers  seated  around  on  the  benches  in  the  bar.  I 
asked  them  to  drink  with  me  a  couple  of  times,  and 
was  soon  hale  fellow  well  met  with  them. 

Finally,  we  concluded  to  see  which  could  drink  the 
most  liquor  without  giving  in,  and  all  that  afternoon 
and  evening  we  continued  pouring  down  the  fire-wa- 
ter, as  an  Oneida  Indian  who  was  one  of  the  party 
was  pleased  to  call  it. 

Well  might  he  call  it  fire-water — the  curse  of  his 
nation  and  his  tribe.  It  had  caused  many  a  council- 
fire  to  become  extinguished,  and  his  once  powerful 


A  MIDNIGHT  PARLEY.  137 

people  were  now  a  mere  handful.  The  noble  chief- 
tains who  inspired  the  pen  of  Cooper  are,  alas!  no 
more ;  deprived  of  their  lands ;  degraded  by  fire- 
water ;  their  spirits  broken,  they,  silent  and  sad,  follow 
the  trail  of  the  setting  sun . 

One  of  our  number  gave  out  before  ten  o'clock ;  he 
staggered  and  fell  heavily  to  the  floor  while  trying  to 
reach  the  bar.  In  about  half  an  hour  after  that  anoth- 
er of  the  party  fell  over  the  stove,  burning  him  se- 
verely. "We  dragged  him  up  into  the  corner,  where 
the  one  who  had  first  succumbed  to  King  Alcohol  was 
snoring  away  like  a  Mississippi  steamboat,  and  laid 
him  alongside. 

At  midnight  the  Indian  and  myself  were  the  only 
ones  of  the  party  who  could  keep  their  pins ;  and  the 
old  warrior  stood  leaning  on  a  chair  complacently  sur- 
veying the  recumbent  forms,  and  seemed  as  proud  of 
his  victory  as  some  of  his  forefathers  would  have  been 
on  entering  their  village  from  a  successful  war-path. 
"We  held  a  council,  and  concluded  to  share  the  victory, 
although  each  was  positive  that  he  was  the  more 
sober  party. 

I  thought  that  a  breath  of  fresh  air  would  not  be 
bad  to  take  for  a  change,  and  started  for  the  door ;  but 
I  made  the  discovery  that  the  aforesaid  door  was  play- 
ing circus.  I  stood  in  the  position  of  a  cavalry  man 
at  sabre  exercise,  and  waited  until  it  should  come 
around  to  me ;  then,  making  a  desperate  rush,  I  reach- 
ed it,  made  out  to  grasp  the  handle,  and  to  pull  it 
open.  I  then  attempted  to  step  out,  but  I  reeled,  and 
fell  headlong  in  a  snow-drift. 


138  RETURN  TO  CONSCIOUSNESS. 

How  long  I  lay  there  I  do  not*  know ;  when  I  re- 
turned to  consciousness  I  found  myself  lying  on  a 
buffalo-robe,  and  my  companions  of  the  previous 
night  were  still  snoring  away  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  room.  My  head  was  aching ;  my  temples  throb- 
bing ;  my  tongue  and  throat  were  parched  and  swol- 
len ;  my  whole  J)ody  seemed  to  be  on  fire.  I  was  suf- 
fering great  agony  in  body  and  mind.  Kum  I  must 
have  to  relieve  me.  I  was  suffering  all  the  tortures 
of  the  damned.  The  landlord  had  not  as  yet  made 
his  appearance.  I  dragged  my  tottering  form  to  the 
bar,  climbed  up,  reached  over  and  grasped  a  decan- 
ter of  liquor ;  no  one  saw  me ;  all  in  the  room  were 
in  the  arms  of  Morpheus.  My  nervous  system  was  in 
such  disorder  that  I  could  hardly  raise  it  to  my  lips ; 
but  I  succeeded  at  last,  and  drank  it  dry. 

Replacing  the  decanter  I  got  off  the  bar,  and  soon 
could  walk  around  the  room.  The  liquor  had  put 
new  life  into  my  frame.  I  cursed  myself  for  being  so 
foolish.  I  thought  of  mother,  and  how  she  would 
feel  did  she  but  know  what  a  wretched  condition  I 
was  in.  Did  those  who  do  not  drink  know  but  a 
thousandth  part  of  the  intense  misery  suffered  by  one 
who  has  indulged  his  appetite  too  freely  they  would 
use  words  of  kindness  instead  of  censure.  Many  a 
poor  fellow  trying  to  recover  from  a  spree,  has  been 
driven  again  to  drink  by  the  cold  looks  and  words  of 
those  who  ought  to  have  taken  him  kindly  by  the 
hand,  and  sympathised  with  him  in  his  great,  almost 
unbearable  sufferings. 

After  walking  about  the  bar  like  a  sentinel  at  his 


RENEWAL  OF  HOSTILITIES.  139 

post  for  an  hour  or  so  the  landlord  made  his  appear- 
ance, and  the  slumbering  forms  «in  the  corner  began 
to  show  signs  of  life.  One  after  the  other  sat  up,  rub- 
bing their  bleary  eyes,  probably  thinking  that  it  was 
about  to  take  their  morning  dram. 

They  were  a  sorry  looking  crowd  take  them  alto- 
gether. I  had  not  taken  much  notice  of  them  the 
night  before,  showing  that  whisky  blinds  a  man  to 
appearances.  I  have  often  noticed  that  when  a  young 
man  of  respectable  associations  gets  intoxicated  he  is 
not  very  particular  about  his  companions.  They  say 
poverty  makes  strange  bedfellows,  but  whisky  will 
make  stranger  ones.  Many  a  naan  has,  on  sleeping 
off  the  effects  of  a  debauch,  found  himself  in  the  com- 
pany of  those  whom  he  would  look  upon  with  disgust 
in  his  sober  moments ;  in  fact  he  would  consider  him- 
self disgraced  by  being  seen  with  them. 

These  men  who  now  staggered  to  their  feet  were  not 
very  prepossessing  in  their  appearance.  Their  clothing 
would  not  have  commanded  a  very  high  price  among 
second-hand  clothing  merchants  in  Baxter  St.  There 
was  one  thing  that  all  seemed  to  be  unanimous  on, 
and  that  was  the  propriety  of  taking  a  drink.  They 
would  all  agree  to  that  without  wasting  words  on  argu- 
ment. 

Such  were  the  thoughts  that  occurred  to  me  the 
last  few  turns  I  made  in  that  bar-room;  but  the 
brandy  I  had  drank  soon  drove  them  from  my  mind, 
and  I  soon  mingled  in  with  the  rest  of  the  crowd, 
drinking  as  often  as  any,  and  heedless  that  I  was  low- 
ering myself  by  being  in  their  company. 


140  I  SURRENDER  THE  FIELD. 

We  were  soon  feeling  rather  elevated  and  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  earlj  morning  hours  were  forgotten — all 
drowned  in  drink.  None  thought  of  the  pain  and 
anguish  which  the  liquor  they  were  drinking  was  sure 
to  produce  ;  all  joined  in  pouring  as  much  down  their 
throats  as  possible,  drowning  all  those  better  feelings 
which  mankind  possess  more  or  less  of.  Kind 
friends,  far  or  near,  were  forgotten ;  none  thought  of 
the  tears  that  would  be  shed  did  some  dear  one  know 
what  was  transpiring  in  that  bar-room  by  the  way- 
side. 

It  is  astonishing  how  rum  will  change  a  person ; 
some  will  sacrifice  their  best  interests  and  friends  to 
their  appetite  for  drink ;  pawn  mementoes  of  dear  and 
dead  friends  to  purchase  this  great  destroyer  of  health 
and  happiness. 

We  continued  drinking  until  about  four  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon,  when  I  made  up  my  mind  that  I  must 
leave  the  crowd  sometime,  and  that  it  might  as  well  be 
then  or  my  money  would  be  exhausted  ;  for  I  noticed 
I  had  most  of  the  bills  to  pay.  I  stole  away  with  the 
excuse  of  looking  at  the  landlord's  horses,  and,  keep- 
ing the  barn  between  myself  and  the  bar-room  win- 
dows, I  made  my  way  as  well  as  I  could  to  the  village 
where  I  had  my  headquarters. 


CHAPTEE  XVII. 

'OR  the  next  three  days  I  was  so  ill  from 
the  effects  of  that  prolonged  spree  that  I 
was  confined  to  my  bed.  My  thirst  was  most 
unbearable,  and  I  drank  bowl  after  bowl  of 
water,  still  craving  for  more.  My  nerves  were  in  such 
a  state  that  my  trembling  hands  could  hardly  raise  the 
water  to  my  parched  lips. 

The  horrible  sufferings  emanating  from  thirst  are 
known  to  the  travelers  on  the  African  deserts,  the 
Llano  Estacado  of  America,  and  those  who  are  unfor- 
tunate at  sea ;  but  the  poor  drunkard,  after  a  debauch, 
can  sympathize  with  them.  Many  of  our  soldiers  in 
the  late  war  saw  more  or  less  of  the  sufferings  caused 
by  a  scarcity  of  water,  especially  the  wounded  on  the 
battle  field- who  first  call  for  water,  and  some  die  with 
the  word  on  their  lips.  Hunger  can  be  borne  a  long 
time  with  plenty  of  good  fresh  water,  but  without  it 
the  victim  soon  succumbs.  How  I  have  suffered  for 
the  want  of  it  none  but  myself  can  know. 

When  I  wa*  sufficiently  recovered  I  resumed  busi- 
141 


14:2  NEW  ENTERPRISES. 

ness  again,  firmly  resolved  to  give  King  Alcohol  a 
wide  berth  in  the  future ;  and  I  am  happy  to  say  that 
I  adhered  to  my  resolution  for  some  time.  My  busi- 
ness increased,  and  I  soon  furnished  the  country  stores 
with  the  articles  that  I  manufactured. 

As  this  business  did  not  call  for  all  my  time,  and  as 
the  oyster  trade  presented  a  good  opening,  I  concluded 
to  embark  in  that  business.  The  first  supply  I  received 
I  concluded  to  raffle  off,  as  it  seemed  to  be  the  most 
expeditious  way  to  sell  them. 

There  was  a  young  man  who  kept  a  store  in  town 
who  consented  to  have  me  come  and  hold  the  raffle  at 
his  place,  after  his  business  had  closed  for  the  day. 
During  the  raffle  one  of  the  party  proposed  beer ;  a 
collection  was  taken  up  and  two  gallons  of  beer  were 
brought  in.  On  its  appearance  my  former  good  reso- 
lutions vanished,  and  so  did  the  beer. 

After  that  supply  was  exhausted  we  sent  for  more  ; 
and  when  the  last  can  of  oysters  had  been  delivered  to 
the  winner,  we  opened  several  cans  and  had  an  oyster 
supper.  We  remained,  a  happy  party,  until  the  "  wee 
sma?  hours  c?  the  morning"  '  I  paid  for  my  night's 
dissipation  by  a  violent  headache,  but  had  mind  enough 
about  me  not  to  relieve  it  by  drinking  more. 

At  this  time,  having  some  little  capital  unemployed 
and  pork  being  very  cheap,  I  invested  in  hogs,  salting 
the  pork,  and  also  smoking  the  hams.  I  found  myself 
before  long  with  quite  a  trade  in  these  articles,  and, 
with  my  other  two  branches  of  business,  was  doing 
well. 

One  day,  about  this  time,  a  wealthy  friend  of  mine 


A  TRIP  TO  THE  LUMBER  REGION.  14:3 

from  the  "West  called  on  me,  and  during  his  stay  he 
offered  me  a  situation  to  sell  improved  machines  for 
use  in  saw-mills. 

This  seemed  to  be  a  good  chance ;  so  I  formed  a  co- 
partnership with  two  other  men,  and  our  advertise- 
ments soon  appeared  in  the  papers.  My  friend  shipped 
us  a  supply  of  machines,  and,  as  soon  as  possible,  I 
gave  up  my  former  business  and  devoted  my  whole 
time  to  my  last  enterprise. 

One  of  my  partners  traveled  with  me,  and  the  other 
remained  to  ship  machines  to  our  order.  Procuring  a 
team  for  the  purpose,  we  took  a  sample  machine  with 
us,  and  struck  off  to  the  Black  River  country  where 
these  machines  would  be  in  the  most  demand. 

The  snow  at  that  time  was  quite  deep  in  Northern 
New  York,  and  our  progress  was  slow.  The  weather 
being  very  cold  we  were  compelled  to  stop  often  at 
roadside  taverns,  and,  believing  as  many  deluded  men 
do  that  rum  would  keep  out  the  cold,  we  seldom  left 
them  until  we  had  imbibed  several  drinks. 

At  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  second 
day  we  found  ourselves  at  the  Checkered  Tavern  on 
the  West  Fork.  Being  chilled  to  the  bone,  we  were 
scarcely  able  to  drag  ourselves  into  the  house.  Seat- 
ing ourselves  by  the  warm  fire  I  said  to  the  bar- 
tender— 

"  Make  us  each  a  hot  whisky-punch,  and  don't  be 
afraid  of  the  whisky." 

He  was  proficient  in  his  line  of  business,  and  soon 
had  the  drink  prepared  for  us.  Its  effect  on  me  was 
like  magic;  it  penetrated  my  whole  system  in  an 


144:  AT  THE  CHECKERED  TAVERN. 

instant.  I  forgot  the  sufferings  of  the  day,  and  felt 
myself  to  be  the  happiest  man  in  existence.  The 
large  fire-place  was  piled  high  with  good  old  hickory 
wood,  which  crackled  and  blazed,  lighting  up  the 
whole  room  as  bright  as  day. 

We  ordered  supper ;  and  while  it  was  being  pre- 
pared I  took  advantage  of  an  opportunity  to  look 
about  the  bar-room.  At  the  opposite  side  of  the  fire- 
place sat  an  old,  grey-haired  man,  clad  in  rough,  coarse, 
garments,  with  a  rope  tied  around  his  waist.  He  had 
a  crooked  staff  in  his  hands,  and  between  his  teeth  a 
black  clay  pipe.  His  hair  was  very  long  reaching 
down  to  his  shoulders,  while  his  beard  made  me  think 
of  the  patriarchs  of  old.  Looking  over  to  me  he 
remarked — 

"This  a  very  cold  evening." 

"  Yes  sir,"  I  replied,  "  it  is  indeed  a  cold  night." 

"  You  are  traveling  I  judge,"  said  he. 

I  informed  him  that  I  was.  After  a  moment's 
pause  he  said — 

"  Young  man  ;  did  you  ever  see  a  railroad  car  ?" 

I  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  he  remarked 
that  he  was  over  seventy  years  of  age,  but  had  not 
ever  seen  a  railroad  car  or  steamboat,  and  had  no  desire 
to  see  them.  I  made  up  my  mind  he  was  not  much 
interested  in  improvements,  and  concluded  to  drop 
the  conversation,  but  continued  to  observe  him,  think- 
ing, after  due  reflection,  that  he  belonged  to  the  fam- 
ily of  Eip  Yan  Winkle. 

There  were  several  other  men  there  who  looked 
like  lumbermen.  One  of  them  who  seemed  to  be  the 


AN  OLD  STOUT.  145 

principal  spokesman,  emphasized  his  words  by  bring- 
ing down  a  pair  of  number  thirteen  cowhides  which 
shook  the  glasses  in  the  bar,  and  ended  his  arguments 
with — "  That's  so  !  by  the  jumping  Jerusalem." 

I  thought  by  his  appearance  that  he  must  have  been 
an  actor  in  an  incident  I  had  heard  related,  which  was 
as  follows : — 

There  was  a  certain  man  who  was  very  ugly,  and, 
being  different  from  most  men  he  knew  it,  and  prided 
himself  on  it.  He  lived,  I  think,  in  old  Kentucky, 
and  had  taken  an  oath  to  shoot  any  man  he  should 
ever  meet,  who  was  less  favored  by  nature  than  him- 
self. 

Being  out  on  a  bear  hunt  alone  one  day,  he  saw  his 
man  crawling  towards  the  same  bear  that  he  had  his 
eye  on,  and  immediately  cocked  his  rifle'  and  aimed  at 
the  man  instead  of  the  bear.  The  hunter  heard  the  click 
of  the  lock,  and,  looking  up  and  perceiving  the  other 
aiming  his  rifle  at  him,  yelled  out,  at  the  same  time 
bringing  his  rifle  to  a  poise, — 

"Halloa,  stranger!  what  in  thunder's  up?" 

Says  Ugly — "  Stranger  !  I  made  an  oath  a  year  gone 
that  if  ever  I  met  a  man  who  beat  me  in  ugliness  I'd 
shoot  him,  and  I  reckon  the  time  has  come  for  me  to 
make  that  oath  good." 

"  Look  a  here,  old  feller,"  says  Ugly  number  two, 
"  if  that's  the  case,  go  ahead  ;  for  by  the  great  Conti- 
nental Congress  and  General  Jackson,  if  I'm  as  ugly 
a  looking  chap  as  you  are,  shoot  away,  for  I'm  blamed 
if  I  oughter  live." 

It's  needless  to  say  that  they  both  became  friends, 
7 


146  IMMENSE  SNO  W-LItlFTS. 

and  eat  bear-rump  steaks  by  their  camp-fire  together 
that  night. 

While  I  was  observing  this  uncouth  looking  charac- 
ter, my  partner  poked  me  in  the  ribs  and  remarked  it 
was  about  time  to  patronize  the  bar  again,  which  we 
accordingly  did.  The  supper  bell  rang  soon  after- 
wards, and  we  repaired  to  a  small  but  neat  dining 
room  where  we  partook  of  a  supper,  and  enjoyed  it  as 
much  as  any  epicure  ever  did  his  at  Delmonico's  or  on 
the  Cafe  de  Paris,  even  if  the  adornments  were  not 
of  a  gorgeous  description. 

The  interval  between  supper  and  retiring  was  filled 
up  with  smoking,  drinking,  card-playing  and  story- 
telling as  is  usually  the  case  at  a  back  country  tavern. 

The  next  morning  after  breakfast  we  started  on  our 
journey  not  forgetting  to  prime  ourselves  well  with 
the  preventative  of  chills.  It  is  a  good  excuse  for 
those  who  have  a  thirst  for  rum  to  take  it  to  keep  out 
the  cold  ;  also  to  indulge  in  the  same  remedy  to  keep 
cool  of  a  sultry  day : — poor  rule  that  don't  work  both 
ways. 

Our  road  led  through  dense  forests  of  timber,  the 
snow  on  each  side  of  the  road  forming  walls  nearly  as 
high  as  the  horse's  back  ;  it  having  been  cut  through 
by  the  many  timber  teams  that  had  passed.  Occasion- 
ally we  would  pass  a  clearing,  and  there  the  snow  was 
so  deep  that  the  fences  were  entirely  buried.  Some- 
times the  roofs  were  the  only  portions  to  be  seen  of 
1  louses  and  barns,  and  in  some  instances  there  was  only 
a  chimney  in  view  to  indicate  that  a  dwelling  was 
beneath  the  snow. 


A  VILLAGE  IN  THE  WOODS.  147 

After  a  hard  day's  travel  we  arrived  at  the  village 

of  G ,  situated  in  a  deep  valley  surrounded  on  all 

sides  by  high  hills  densely  timbered.  The  village  con- 
sisted of  one  tavern,  blacksmith  shop,  grocery,  and 
several  small  dwellings.  On  an  excellent  water  course 
for  power  were  also  a  number  of  saw-mills.  On  driv- 
ing up  to  the  hotel  we  saw  the  windows  of  the  bar 
were  filled  with  faces,  their  noses  flattened  against  the 
glass,  looking  out  at  us  with  as  much  interest  as  the 
loungers  at  the  Astor  House  steps  would  have  shown 
had  a  war  party  of  Apaches  rode  up  Broadway  as 
they  appear  on  their  return  from  an  excursion  into 
Mexico. 

The  landlord  soon  came  to  the  door  and  took  our 
team  to  the  stable ;  while  we  were  glad  enough  to 
make  our  way  towards 'the  bar,  remarking  to  the 
knight  of  the  toddy-stick,  that  if  he  did  not  produce 
in  about  three  shakes  of  a  sheep's  tail,  a  good  article 
of  ardent,  there  would  be  a  row  in  the  vicinity. 

He  laughingly  passed  out  a  well-filled  decanter  of 
brandy,  and  we  took  two  stiff  horns  of  as  good  an 
article  as  any  reasonable  person  could  expect  to  procure 
in  that  part  of  the  state.  The  bar-room  frequenters 
here  were  of  about  the  same  cut  as  those  we  met  at 
the  Checkered  Tavern, — only  more  so. 

As  we  entered  the  dining  room  for  our  tea,  we  saw 
at  once  that  we  were  in  a  hotel  altogether  different 
from  that  of  the  Checkered  Tavern.  There  was  but 
little  food  on  the  table,  and  the  article  they  passed  us 
for  bread  would  have  made  a  New  York  beggar  throw 
up  his  trade;  the  butter  was  strong  enough  to  go 


148  A  BLOOD-THIRSTY  SET. 

alone.  The  tea  was  not  tlie  finest  Gunpowder  or 
Oolong,  and  I  venture  to  say  no  heathen  Chinee  ever 
rolled  a  grain  of  it  in  his  digits. 

We  went  through  the  ceremony  of  eating  and  the 
landlord  must  have  thought  we  were  a  pair  of  profita- 
ble boarders.  Our  case  was  nearly  parallel  to  that  of 
a  poor  drunkard  I  once  heard  of,  who,  on  going  home 
to  his  family  after  a  long  spree  and  call  ing  for  food,  on 
being  informed  by  his  wife  that  there  was  not  a  mor- 
sel in  the  house,  bade  her  set  the  table,  and  they  would 
go  through  the  ceremony  of  eating  dinner. 

We  retired  early,  feeling  confident  that  we  should 
not  be  troubled  with  night-mare  on  account  of  our  sup- 
per at  any  rate,  and  fully  resolved  to  get  our  money's 
worth  of  sleep.  But  alas  !  how  vain  are  all  human 
calculations ;  we  were  both  soon  awakened  from  our 
t-} umbers  by  other  occupants,  who  appeared  to  be  at 
Lome  and  well  acquainted  with  the  character  of  the 
t-ivern  they  were  in,  and  desperately  resolved  that 
when  a  good  square  meal  awaited  them,  as  in  this  case, 
they  would  take  advantage  of  it.  Lodgers,  judging 
by  the  blood-thirsty  demonstration  of  these  miscreants 
had  been  but  few  and  far  between  of  late. 

We  tried  to  sleep,  but  it  was  impossible ;  and,  at 
last,  growing  desperate,  we  arose,  relit  our  lamps,  and 
made  a  fierce  onslaught  on  our  tormentors. 

The  laughable  incidents  of  our  search  for  these  pests 
brought  to  my  mind  a  story  of  a  gentleman  who  once 
put  up  at  an  ancient  hotel,  and  on  our  retiring  found 
himself  in  the  same  fix  as  ourselves.  Being  unable  to 
Asleep  he  lighted  his  lamp  after  using  up  in  doing  so. 


WE  RETURN  HOME.  149 

nearly  a  box  of  poor  matches  which,  he  threw  one  by 
one  into  the  wash-basin.  He  then  took  a  hunt  after 
his  torturers,  and  amused  himself  by  throwing  them 
also  into  the  basin ;  after  which  he  once  more  tried  to 
sleep  but  was  prevented  by  a  musical  serenade  which 
seemed  to  originate  in  his  room.  Again  lighting  his 
lamp  he  went  on  a  voyage  of  discovery  which  brought 
him  to  the  wash-stand,  when  he  found  that  the  bugs 
had  built  a  raft  of  the  burned  matches,  and  were  sail- 
ing about  on  it,  singing,  "  A  life  on  the  ocean  wave." 

We  were  not  feeling  very  energetic  when  we  set  out 
for  the  mills  next  morning.  In  fact  the  fare  at  the 
hotel,  as  I  remarked  to  my  partner,  was  not  calculated 
to  promote  energy  in  a  man ;  and  I  did  not  think 
there  was  any  danger  of  the  boarders  being  afflicted 
with  the  gout.  We  came  to  the  conclusion  that  we 
had  better  hurry  up  our  business  and  not  linger  in  that 
locality  any  great  length  of  time,  or  our  friends  would 
not  recognize  us  on  our  return. 

We  found  one  man  who  had  sense  enough  to  appre- 
ciate our  improved  machine  and  we  left  it  in  full  ope- 
ration at  his  mill,  took  his  note  in  payment,  and  then 
started  for  home. 


CHAPTEE  XYIIL 

our  arrival  home  the  next  day  we 
found  an  order  waiting,  and  started  off  with 
the  machine  as  soon  as  possible.  Our  business 
continued  increasing  for  some  time ;  finally  it 
was  arranged  that  I  should  go  to  Ulster  county  where 
I  was  successful  in  extending  our  sales.  After  some 
months  I  retired  from  the  firm,  being  dissatisfied  with 
some  business  transactions  connected  with  the  mode 
of  making  sales.  I  then  began  to  look  out  for  some 
lighter  business  which  would  suit  me. 

The  stencil-plate  enterprise  was  at  that  time  almost 
in  its  infancy  ;  and  I  accepted  an  offer  to  travel,  tak- 
ing orders  and  furnishing  the  plates.  A  few  short 
trips  were  sufficient  to  convince  me  that  I  never  should 
make  a  fortune  if  I  continued  in  this  trade. 
-  During  my  travels  I  fell  in  with  a  gentleman  going 
my  way,  who  invited  me  to  take  a  seat  in  his  sleigh, 
which  I  gladly  did. 

On  our  journey  he  informed  me  that  he  was  the 
editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Herkimer  County  Adver- 

150 


WORKING  FOR  AN  EDITOR.  151 

tl»er,  and  was  then  on  a  circuit  obtaining  new  sub- 
scribers and  hoped  at  some  future  day  to  make  it  one 
of  the  leading  advertising  journals  in  the  country. 

I  found  him  to  be  very  much  of  a  gentleman,  and 
he  seemed  to  take  a  liking  to  me.  We  conversed  on 
different  subjects,  and  our  ideas  and  opinions  seemed 
to  coincide.  After  a  long  conversation  he  informed 
me  that  he  was  in  need  of  an  assistant  and  would  be 
glad  to  engage  me  if  I  was  at  liberty.  His  proposi- 
tion was  a  favorable  one  for  me,  and  before  we  arrived 
at  our  destination  I  had  engaged  to  work  for  him. 

I  soon  found  out  that  Mr.  P ,  the  editor,  was  a 

strong  temperance  man,  and  respected  him  the  more 
for  this  reason.  He  knew  nothing  of  my  past  life  ; 
and  I  said  to  myself,  —God  helping  me,  I  will  keep 
sober  while  in  his  employ.  I  gained  his  confidence 
to  such  an  extent  that  he-  soon  gave  me  the  handling 
of  all  the  money  received  and  he  afterwards  left  me 
to  do  all  the  canvassing  alone,  while  he  went  to  the 
west,  leaving  competent  men  to  conduct  the  business 
of  the  office.  While  in  his  employ  I  conceived  the 
idea  of  publishing  a  paper  myself. 

When  my  term  of  service  expired  I  went  on  a  visit 
to  a  friend  a  short  distance  away,  and  as  it  happened, 
he  had  in  his  office  a  demijohn  of  gin  for  medicinal 
purposes.  On  an  unlucky  day  for  rne  he  went  out  and 
left  me  in  charge  of  his  room,  when  a  strong  desire 
possessed  me  to  try  the  quality  of  that  particular  med- 
icine. Twice  I  found  myself  grasping  the  demijohn, 
and  both  times  reluctantly  replaced  it  without  remov- 
ing the  cork ;  but  the  third  time  I  approached  the 


152  THE  FATAL  DEHIJOHK 

closet  where  it  was  kept  my  appetite  overcame  my 
conscientious  scruples.  I  pulled  open  the  closet  door, 
grasped  the  perfidious  destroyer,  and  took  a  long,  deep 
draught,  replaced  it  like  a  guilty  thief,  and  stole 
silently  back  to  my  chair. 

This  aroused  the  demon  of  thirst  which  had  been 
chained  within  me  for  some  length  of  time.  I  sat 
thinking : — There  is  the  jug  and  my  friend  will  soon 
return,  and  then  there  will  be  no  way  of  access  to  what 
I  know  I  must  have  after  having  had  a  taste.  So  I 
improved  the  opportunity  while  it  lasted. 

"When  my  friend  did  return,  at  last,  I  was  not  in  the 
same  condition  he  had  left  me  in.  It  did  not  take  a 
second  glance  for  him  to  observe  that  I  was  far  from 
being  sober.  He  walked  deliberately  to  the  closet, 
and  shaking  the  demijohn,  said — 

"  George,  what  do  you  think  of  the  quality  of  that 
gin«» 

I  replied  that  if  I  was  considered  a  judge  I  should 
call  it  a  prime  article.  I  inquired  if  he  had  a  large 
supply  on  hand,  and  said,  that  if  he  had  I  should 
probably  prolong  my  visit. 

He  replied  that  he  generally  had  a  stock  on  hand 
for  persons  who  were  sick,  and  that  if  I  stopped  long, 
and  continued  as  thirsty  as  I  was  in  his  absence,  he 
would  have  to  send  for  a  new  invoice. 

I  remained  at  the  house  of  my  friend  over  night, 
and  in  the  morning  went  to  a  rum-shop  where  I  could 
allay  the  raging  thirst  that  was  torturing  me.  When 
I  had  drank  several  times  I  did  not  feel  like  meeting 
my  friend  again ;  so  I  purchased  a  bottle  of  whisky, 


/  BECOME  A  PUBLISHER.  153 

and  started  off  on  the  road  to  an  adjoining  village, 
where  I  remained  a  week,  drinking  deeply  all  the  time. 
I  took  a  bottle  of  liquor  to  my  room  with  me  every 
night,  being  obliged  to  take  a  drink  at  intervals  to 
drown  the  trouble  I  was  in — all  caused  from  what  I 
was  using  as  an  antidote. 

I  knew  no  one  in  the  village ;  had  no  friend  to  speak 
a  kind  word  of  warning.  The  venders  of  alcohol  wore 
a  smile  of  welcome  as  1  entered  their  dens,  and  were 
ready  to  deal  out  the  poison  to  me  as  long  as  I  could 
stand — knowing  that  I  had  the  money  to  pay  them. 

When  I  mustered  sufficient  courage  to  stop  drink- 
ing I  thought — What  a  fool  I  have  been,  wasting  time, 
money,  health,  and  reputation,  all  for  the  sake  of  rum. 
It  was  several  days  before  I  became  strong  enough 
to  travel.  On  balancing  my  accounts  I  found  I  had 
squandered  over  fifty  dollars  but  still  had  quite  a  little 
sum  of  money  left. 

I  deliberated  as  to  what  I  should  do  next,  and  I  rec- 
ollected my  resolution  in  reference  to  publishing  a 
newspaper.  I  resolved  to  carry  it  into  effect,  for  I 
could  not  remain  long  inactive.  I  must  have  some- 
thing to  occupy  my  mind  or  I  should  again  go  to 
drinking.  How  to  commence,  I  did  not  know,  nor 
in  what  place  to  locate. 

Finally,  I  decided  to  establish  myself  in  the  city  of 
Syracuse.  I  soon  had  several  canvassers  out  soliciting 
subscriptions  to  my  paper,  called  the  New  York  Cen- 
tral Advertiser,  and  by  the  time  I  was  r^ady  to  issue 
my  first  number,  I  had  quite  a  large  number  of  sub- 
scribers. It  was  my  intention  to  make  it  a  first  class 


154:  AN  A  WFUL  DISCO  VER  Y. 

advertising  paper.  The  plan  of  publication  was  new 
at  the  time.  The  business  card  of  every  subscriber 
was  to  be  inserted  free  of  charge. 

My  success  was  quite  flattering  at  first,  and  I  might 
have  done  well  had  it  not  been  for  my  old  enemy,  rum, 
who  still  followed  my  footsteps. 

I  resisted  temptation  for  a  while ;  but  one  day  my 
appetite  overcame  me,  and  I  thought  a  glass  of  beer 
would  not  do  me  any  harm.  But  it  proved  the  means 
of  plunging  me  once  more  into  the  stream  of  dissipa- 
tion ;  and  the  next  thing  I  recollect  I  found  myself 
lying  on  a  hard  bench,  chilled  to  the  bone,  and  unable 
to  form  any  opinion  as  to  where  I  was. 

I  was  in  terrible  agony  ;  my  tongue  was  swollen, 
throat  parched,  and  it  seemed  as  though  ten  thousand 
pins  were  penetrating  my  flesh.  I  was  in  total  dark- 
ness ;  but  I  could  hear  the  rats  scampering  in  every 
direction. 

I  cried  out  loudly  to  ascertain  if  any  human  being' 
was  near,  but  received  no  answer.  I  crawled  off  the 
bench  and  groped  my  way  about,  feeling  before  me 
with  my  hands  until  I  came  to  a  damp  wall,  which 
sent  a  cold,  horrible  thrill  through  my  body.  Thinks 
I  to  myself,  I  am  either  in  a  prison  cell  or  a  tomb  ; 
and  my  imagination  pictured  to  me  the  forms  of  the 
departed,  in  their  winding  sheets,  hovering  around  me, 
and  waiting  for  me  to  join  them  in  the  unknown 
world. 

The  rats  seemed  to  become  aware  of  my  helpless 
position,  and  began  to  be  so  bold  as  to  jump  on  and 
off  my  form  as  I  lav  reclining  against  the  wall.  The 


LOCKED  IN  A  CELLAR— STRIKING  A  LIGHT.        155 

awful  thought  entered  my  mind — am  I  to  be  devoured 
by  these  loathsome  creatures  ?  Then  I  thought  that 
if  I  could  only  strike  a  light  I  could  disperse  the  rats, 
and  at  the  same  time  ascertain  the  character  of  the 
quarters  I  was  in. 

I  felt  in  my  pockets,  and  as  luck  would  have  it  I 
found  two  matches  and  a  half-crushed  cigar.  With- 
out thinking,  I  scratched  one  on  the  damp  wall  and  it 
failed  to  ignite ;  but  with  the  other — my  last  hope — I 
was  more  careful,  and  rubbed  it  back  and  forth  on  my 
clothing  until,  to  my  great  joy,  it  burst  into  a  bright 
blaze. 

The  rats  beat  a  hasty  retreat,  and  I  discovered  that 
T  was  in  a  small  basement.  Old  whisky  barrels  were 
piled  in  one  corner ;  but  the  most  welcome  sight  to  me 
was  a  window  in  one  end  of  the  cellar.  Throwing 
down  the  match,  which  had  burned  to  my  fingers,  I 
groped  my  way  to  the  window  ;  not  being  able  to  open 
it  I  raised  my  foot,  and  soon  the  glass  and  frame  wrent 
crashing  out.  I  soon  followed  them,  and  in  a  careful 
manner  let  myself  down  to  the  firm  ground,  and  once 
more,  breathed  the  free  air  of  heaven. 

It  was  quite  dark  and  cloudy;  the  darkness  had 
been  so  intense  in  the  cellar  that  I  could,  by  steady 
looking,  make  out  that  I  was  in  the  rear  of  some  build- 
ing. I  made  the  best  of  my  way  around  until  I  found 
myself  in  a  narrow  street,  but  in  what  portion  of  the 
city  I  was  I  had  not  the  remotest  idea.  Following  up 
the  street  for  some  distance,  and  down  a  cross  alley,  I 
found  I  was  in  one  of  the  principal  thoroughfares,  and 
felt  safe. 


156  ROW  AT  A  GROG  SHOP. 

From  that  day  to  this  I  do  not  know  in  what  portion 
of  the  city  is  located  the  place  where  I  awoke  from 
my  drunken  sleep.  On  investigation  I  found  my 
watch  and  money  were  gone,  and  came  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  I  had  been  drugged,  robbed,  and  left  locked 
into  some  old  deserted  building.  I  wandered  around 
for  three  or  four  days  more,  drinking  all  the  time,  and 
borrowing  money  from  mv  friends  to  do  so. 

One  night  I  entered  a  low  grog  shop  in  the  out- 
skirts of  the  city,  and  during  my  stay  there  I  witnessed 
a  fearful  fight  among  the  drunken  occupants,  and 
received  a  severe  blow  on  my  own  head.  Chairs, 
bottles,  etc.,  were  used  as  weapons,  and  one  unfortu- 
nate man  was  stabbed.  This  gave  me  a  fearful  fright, 
and  I  resolved  to  stop  drinking  and  return  to  business. 
But  my  system  was  in  such  a  condition  that  I  was 
unable  to  accomplish  anything  for  some  days. 

I  felt  my  degradation  deeply,  and  thought  that  every 
one  I  saw  must  know  of  all  I  had  passed  through ; 
therefore  I  avoided  the  gaze  of  all — even  my  friends. 
When  I  saw  one  of  them  approaching  me  I  would 
cross  the  street  so  not  to  meet  him. 

Why  is  it  that  man  will  so  degrade  himself,  know- 
ing the  results  that  rum  must  eventually  bring  upon 
him  ?  Dear  reader  ;  have  you  ever  tasted  of  the  intoxi- 
cating cup?  if  so,  look  not  upon  the  wine  when  it 
is  red  in  the  glass,  for  it  will  surely  bring  sorrow  and 
woe  in  the  end.  If  you  have  not  taken  your  first 
glass,  I  entreat  of  you,  in  God's  name,  never  do  it ; 
you  will  then  be  safe  from  the  misery,  and  degra- 
dation that  it  has  been  my  unhappy  lot  to  experience. 


DISGRACED  AND  DISCOURAGED. 


FINANCIALL  T  It  UINED.  157 

I  recovered  from  the  bad  effects  of  my  spree  suf- 
ficiently to  conduct  my  paper  for  a  short  time,  when  I 
again  fell.  I  drank  for  about  two  weeks  deeply,  and 
at  the  end  of  that  time  found  my  paper  behind-hand, 
and  myself  heavily  involved  in  debt.  I  felt  myself  a 
ruined  man.  I  became  desperate,  purchased  a  jug  of 
whisky  and  hid  it  away, — going  after  it  in  the  dark, 
and  smuggling  it  into  my  room,  resolved  to  drink  it 
up  and  then  die. 

I  meditated  suicide  in  different  ways,  and  took  a 
fierce  delight  in  thinking  that  my  sufferings  were  about 
to  end.  I  did  not  think  with  Shakespere  that — u  Tis 
better  to  bear  the  ills  we  have  than  rush  to  others  we 
know  not  of,"  but  rather  exclaimed  with  the  poet — 

"  Oh  let  me  die !  since  earth  hath  lost 

Its  every  charm  for  me, 
My  bark  of  life  is  rudely  tos'd 

Upon  an  angry  sea ; 
It  madly  leaps  from  wave  to  wave 

Amid  the  deepening  gloom, 
A  shattered  wreck  ;  I  would  not  hide, 

From  this  impending  doom. 

Oh  let  me  die  !     Why  should  I  live  ? 
Since  all  is  lost  to  me 

That  could  one  happy  moment  give, 
Or  ease  my  misery. 

My  life  is  darker  than  despair, 
On  earth,  why  should  I  stay  ? 

Friends  pass  me  by  without  one  word- 
Cold  as  a  winter's  day. 

Oh  let  me  die !  though  all  is  gloom 
Beyond  this  life  to  me, 


158  D1SGRA  CED  AND  DISCO  URA  GED. 

The  untried  darkness  of  the  tomb 

Cannot  more  fearful  be 
Than  is  this  burning,  withering  breast 

Where  youth's  bright  visions  lie : 
Oh  take  me  from  this  heartless  world, 

I'm  weary — let  me  die." 

I  did  not  make  any  attempt  on  my  life ;  no  doubt  I 
was  restrained  by  an  overruling  Providence  which  had 
watched  over  me  up  to  that  time,  and  has  through  all 
my  subsequent  life.  But  feeling  discouraged,  disgraced, 
and  unsatisfied,  I  abandoned  the  thought  of  publish- 
ing my  paper  any  longer.  It  passed  into  the  hands 
of  others,  and  I  found  myself  once  more  adrift  on  the 
rough  sea  of  life. 

What  next  to  turn  my  attention  to  I  did  not  know  ; 
some  kind  of  employment  I  must  have.  After  becom- 
ing in  a  degree  temperate  for  the  time,  I  took  an  agen- 
cy for  the  sale  of  fruit  and  ornamental  trees.  I  con- 
tinued in  this  business  about  three  months,  meeting 
with  some  success-  During  that  time  I  only  drank  to 
excess  once.  I  stopped  at  a  tavern  in  a  small  village, 
and  the  devil  led  me  into  drinking  with  an  other  young 
man  until  we  both  became  intoxicated. 

That  night  he  undertook  to  walk  on  the  railroad, 
was  run  over,  and  instantly  killed.  What  an  impres- 
sion that  event  made  on  me  as  I  saw  him  dead  and 
mangled  in  the  depot !  If  the  ground  had  opened  and 
swallowed  me  up  it  would  have  been  a  relief. 

He  was  an  entire  stranger  to  me,  and  unknown  in 
the  neighborhood  where  he  came  to  work  at  his  trade ; 
but  rum  caused  his  death,  and  his  body  was  buried  by 
strangers  in  a  strange  land.  Far  away  in  Canada  were 


FATE  OF  A  COMPANION.  159 

dear  relatives  and  friends,  to  be  soon  shocked  by  the 
terrible  news  of  his  melancholy  fate.  He  now  lies  in 
the  pauper's  corner  of  that  village  church-yard,  with 
naught  to  mark  his  last  resting  place  but  a  simple 
plank,  which  is  fast  wasting  away. 

Many  such  graves  are  scattered  over  our  land  ;  let 
us  try  to  make  their  number  less  in  the  future ;  let  us 
all  join  hands  in  this  great  conflict,  and  fight  the  mon- 
ster intemperance  as  long  as  life  and  strength  are  left 
us. 

Such  an  end  to  what  might  have  been  a  useful  life, 
is  a  sad  warning  to  all  who  tamper  with  this  fell  de- 
stroyer of  man's  happiness — rum.  He  is  dead,  while 
I  live  to  tell  the  history  of  my  shame.  It  makes  me 
shudder  to  think  of  the  many  times  I  have  exposed 
myself  to  death  in  the  same  manner  and  under  similar 
circumstances.  How  thankful  I  am  that  I  have  been 
preserved  from  many  dangers  while  under  the  influ- 
ence of  rum,  and  that  I  may  do  all  in  my  power  to 
prevent  mankind  from  following  the  same  road. 

I  could  now  weep  bitter  tears  of  sorrow  at  the  lonely 
grave  of  my  companion  of  an  hour  ;  and  though  I  had 
the  golden  millions  of  the  El  Dorado  added  to  the 
wealth  of  Golconda,  I  would  gladly  surrender  it  all  to 
raise  him  up  to  life  again. 


CHAPTEE  XIX. 

OON  after  giving  up  the  business  of  selling 
trees  I  determined  to  go  to  Philadelphia  to 
sell  sewing-machines,  and  started  for  that  city. 
When  the  cars  arrived  at  Rome,  a  young  man 
who  was  accompanied  by  his  mother  on  their  way,  I 
think,  to  Boston,  stepped  out  on  the  platform  of  the 
car  in  which  they  were  riding.  Just  as  he  reached 
the  railing  the  engineer  reversed  his  engine,  which  threw 
the  young  man  between  the  cars  and  under  the  wheels. 
I  stood  near  when  he  fell,  having  alighted  from  the 
same  car  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  a  drink  of  whis- 

fcy- 

I  took  hold  of  him,  and  with  the  assistance  of  two 
gentlemen  lifted  him  up  and  carried  him  to  the  depot. 
One  arm  was  crushed  from  the  elbow  down  ;  his  face 
was  scarred  and  bleeding,  and  I  noticed  the  thick  soles 
of  his  boots  had  been  torn  nearly  away.  He  kept  cry- 
ing out,  "  Oh  mother,  mother,  what  shall  I  do  ?"  but 
never  shall  I  forget  the  look  of  horror  that  overspread 
that  mother's  face  when  they  brought  her  to  her  boy. 

160 


VISIT  TO  PHILADELPHIA.  161 

Language  is  inadequate  to  express  the  intense  grief 
and  misery  that  was  stamped  upon  her  features. 

A  surgeon  was  summoned,  his  arm  dressed,  and  his 
father  telegraphed  for  at  Seneca  Falls.  I  remained 
over  until  next  train,  and  then  proceeded  on  my  jour- 
ney. Several  years  passed  before  I  had  occasion  to 
visit  Seneca  Falls,  when  I  learned  of  his  father,  Mr. 
Downs,  that  his  son  had  lost  his  hand — amputation 
being  necessary — but  otherwise  he  had  fully  recovered. 

I  arrived  safely  at  Philadelphia,  and  while  stopping 
in  the  City  of  Brotherly  Love  I  fell  in  with  a  young 
man,  and  he  volunteered  to  show  me  the  sights. 

The  first  place  we  visited  was  the  Continental  Hotel, 
the  most  extensive  public  house  I  had  ever  seen.  The 
bar  was  the  most  attractive  portion  of  the  house  at  that 
time,  and  we  lingered  around  it  a  good  while,  taking  at 
intervals  some  very  stiff  drinks. 

We  then  repaired  to  the  Navy  yard  and  inspected 
the  U.  S.  Marine  to  our  satisfaction.  I  conclude  that 
there  were  not  as  many  vessels  in  dock  as  we  thought 
we  saw,  as  the  drinks  we  had  taken  had  the  effect  to 
double  objects  presented  to  our  view.  Our  inspection 
was  not  prolonged  to  such  an  extent  as  to  interfere  with 
our  thirst,  and  we  left  the  minor  articles,  such  as  field- 
pieces,  fixed  ammunition,  etc.  etc.,  for  some  future  day. 
Leaving  the  yard  in  search  of  a  saloon  we  had  observed 
on  our  entrance  near  the  gate-way,  we  soon  found  a 
whisky-shop,  and  as'  we  were  about  entering  I  noticed 
a  dejected-looking  man  sitting  near  the  door,  and  in- 
vited him  in  to  drink.  He  accepted  the  invitation 
with  a  thankful  expression  on  his.  countenance. 


1 62  THE  SCOTCH 

We  took  our  drinks  and  started  on  onr  way ;  but  on 
my  accidentally  looking  back  I  noticed  that  the  stran- 
ger I  had  asked  to  drink  with  ns  was  following  in  oiir 
footsteps.  We  slackened  onr  pace,  and  he  soon  joined 
us  and  commenced  a  conversation  in  which  we  learned 
that  he  was  from  Scotland ;  that  he  was  a  baker  by 
trade,  and  had  been  so  far  unable  to  procure  employ- 
ment ;  also,  unfortunately,  he  was  out  of  money  and 
had  no  friends  in  this  country.  He  had  fallen  into  the 
delusion  of  many  others  who  think  there  is  no  neces- 
sity for  emigrants  to  have  more  money  than  enough 
to  pay  their  passage  over;  that  w^hen  they  arrive  here 
they  can  get  along  easily. 

I  felt  interested  in  his  story,  for  by  his  appearance 
he  was  honest  and  could  not  be  an  impostor.  So  I 
told  him  we  would  assist  him  to  find  employment  to 
the  best  of  our  ability,  and  he  need  not  fear  present 
want,  for  I  would  see  that  he  had  food. 

1  gave  liim  money  to  keep  him  over  the  night,  and 
made  him  promise  to  call  at  my  hotel  the  next  day. 
The  noon  following  he  called  for  me,  and  I  was  the 
means  of  his  getting  a  job  at  his  trade.  I  paid  his 
board  for  a  week,  bid  him  good-bye,  and  wished  him 
good  luck  in  the  future.  lie  left  us  with  tears  of 
thankfulness  in  his  eyes,  and  I  have  never  seen  him 
since. 

My  volunteer  guide  around  Philadelphia  and  myself 
promenaded  the  suburbs  and  town,  seeing  all  that  was 
to  be  seen  worthy  of  attention,  and  spending  my  mon- 
ey freely.  I  found — as  many  a  man  has  in  similar  cir- 
cumstances— that  my  cash  was  nearly  gone,  and  I  came 


DISAPPOINTED  YOUNG  MEN.  163 

to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  about  time  to  suspend 
operations  in  the  line  of  amusements,  and  turn  my 
mind  to  something  that  would  bring  money  in,  in- 
stead of  paying  it  out  continually.  But  I  found  noth- 
ing that  I  cared  to  undertake  in  Philadelphia.  So 
bidding  my  companion  a  kind  farewell — and  I  know 
he  was  sad  to  part  with  me — I  took  the  train  for  New 
York  City,  thinking  that  in  that  great  metropolis  there 
might  be  some  business  to  suit  me. 

How  many  young  men  are  deluded  in  this  same 
manner ;  they  leave  their  pleasant  country  and  village 
homes,  kind  friends,  and  every  thing  that  should  make 
them  happy  ;  when  they  arrive  in  the  city  they  discover 
their  mistake,  especially  it  they  have  no  influential 
friends,  and  are  not  well  supplied  with  money.  I  have 
seen  three  hundred  men  waiting  to. answer  an  adver- 
tisement for  a  store  porter.  Many  young  men  from 
the  country  linger  on  from  week  to  week,  still  hoping 
against  hope ;  few  of  them  find  anything  to  do,  and 
some  of  them,  when  their  money  is  all  gone,  are 
ashamed  to  apply  to  their  country  friends  for  money 
to  take  them  home  again. 

You  can  see  plenty  such  in  the  public  parks  any  day, 
with  woe-begone  countenances,  almost  desperate  from 
want  and  exposure.  They  sleep  in  lumber-yards  and 
around  the  docks  until  they  are  arrested  by  the  police, 
and  sent  to  the  Island  as  vagrants.  I  do  not  say  all 
turn  out  so,  but  I  know  a  large  percentage  of  them  do. 
After  an  apprenticeship  at  the  Island  in  company  with 
the  most  depraved,  they  become  contaminated,  and  in 
many  instances  learn  to  be  thieves  themselves. 


164  SAD  INCIDENT 

In  July,  1866,  a  young  man  of  good  education 
who  had  never  before  known  what  it  was  to  want, 
was  found  dying  between  some  cotton  bales  on  the 
levee  in  New  Orleans.  He  stated  before  death  that 
he  had  left  a  good  home  in  the  north  to  see  what  for- 
tune had  in  store  for  him  at  the  south.  He  expected 
to  easily  procure  a  clerkship  in  that  city,  but  had  wan- 
dered over  the  town  week  after  week  until  his  funds 
gave  out.  He  was  too  honest  to  steal  and  ashamed  to 
beg,  and  having  been  without  food  for  three  days  he 
had  crawled  in  among  the  bales  to  die.  This  instance 
came  under  the  personal  observations  of  a  friend  of 
mine,  who  also  saw  young  men  wait  anxiously  for  the 
negro  hod-carriers,  working  on  the  Masonic  Hall  after 
the  fire,  to  finish  their  dinner,  when  they  picked  up 
the  bones  and  crusts  thrown  away,  and  gnawed  them 
like  starving  dogs. 

After  traveling  the  streets  of  ISTew  York  for  some 
time  without  any  prospects  of  bettering  my  fortune,  I 
made  up  my  mind  it  was  no  place  for  rne  and  immedi- 
ately took  my  departure  for  the  flourishing  town  of 

N ,  where  I  engaged  to  work  for  a  man  who  had  a 

contract  for  manufacturing  doors.  This  was  new  bus- 
iness to  me,  but  I  had  some  knowledge  of  'tools  and  I 
readily  worked  into  the  trade.  I  remained  in  this 
shop  for  about  three  months,  and  during  that  time  on 
several  occasions  I  indulged  too  freely  in  strong 
drink. 

I  then  went  into  business  for  myself,  taking  a  job  at 
manufacturing  blinds  which  occupied  me  several 
months,  but  I  often  absented  myself  from  the  bench 


IN  A  BAD  WAT.  165 

to  drink  in  the  low  grog-shops.  Sometimes  I  wan- 
'lored  off  into  the  country,  stopping  wherever  rum 
was  to  be  obtained,  and  drinking  deep  potations  which 
threw  my  system  out  of  order  and  rendered,  me  more 
i  i  ke  a  lunatic  than  a  sane  man.  I  was  greatly  emaciated^ 
and  so  reduced  in  funds  at  times  that  I  had  to  beg  t-Le 
liquor  I  could  no  longer  purchase,  and  which  I  must 
have  or  die. 

It  is  one  of  the  strangest  effects  of  rum  that  it  will 
cause  a  naturally  proud  man,  who  under  other  circum- 
s  ances  would  scorn  to  ask  a  favor  from  any  one,  to 
cringe  before  some  low,  coarse  vender  thereof,  whom 
perhaps  he  has  never  seen  before,  and  beg  of  him  a 
glass  of  liquor,  to  buoy  his  sinking  spirits  up  and  give 
him  a  moment's  forgetfulness. 

If  so  lucky  as  to  obtain  it,  how  dreadful  it  is  to  see 
the  poor  slave  grasp  the  glass  in  both  hands  and,  nearly 
spilling  the — to  him — precious  contents,  raise  it  to  his 
lips,  while  his  eyes  brighten  for  the  moment. 

Oftentimes  when  on  a  spree  I  became  so  reduced  in 
circumstances  that  I  would  sell  any  thing  I  had  which 
was  available,  to  appease  my  appetite  and  stimulate  my 
poor  shattered  frame.  Sometimes  I  was  so  debilitated 
that  I  could  scarcely  walk ;  the  cords  of  my  limbs 
seemed  to  contract  and  lift  my  feet  with  a  nervous 
jerk  from  the  ground  while  walking. 

Under  such  circumstances  I  must  have  rum  ;  all  my 
soul  was  concentrated  on  the  one  thought — How  can 
I  get  liquor  ?  Nothing  in  the  world  that  I  possessed 
was  too  sacred  for  me  to  part  with — the  very  coat  from 
my  back,  the  shoes  from  my  feet ;  I  would  even  have 


166  LONGINGS  FOR  RUM. 

given  a  limb  or  bartered  my  immortal  soul  and  said — 
"  Take  all,  but  give  me  rum !  bring  me  burning 
rum  !  and  let  me  quench  my  unbearable  thirst  although 
I  sacrifice  all  that  is  dear  to  man  in  this  world  and  the 
world  to  come." 

On  one  occasion  I  had  nothing  to  dispose  of  but 
two  books  which  I  had  cherished;  for,  when  I  was  my- 
self I  always  loved  to  read  good  books  when  I  could 
spare  the  time  to  do^p.  I  must  have  money  to  get 
liquor,  and  I  had  nothing  else  to  sell.  I  took  them 
under  my  arm,  and  going  along  to  a  book-store  asked 
the  proprietor  to  buy  them,  which  he  did,  giving  me 
but  half  their  value ;  but  I  would  have  accepted  the 
price  of  one  drink  rather  than  have  taken  them  back. 
I  hurried  to  the  nearest  cheap  grog-shop  and  spent  it 
all  for  rum. 

There  are  a  great  many,  perhaps,  who  are  connected 
with  the  drinking  man,  who  never  drank  themselves, 
and  know  not  his  dreadful  longing  for  drink,  and  can- 
not sympathize  with  him,  and  who,  by  their  looks  and 
manner  toward  him  show  a  coldness  which  drives  him 
to  drink  again.  This  ought  to  be  avoided.  Show 
kindness  to  the  poor  drunkard,  for  God  knows  he  needs 
it  if  any  one.  Harshness  and  unkindness  never  re- 
formed a  drunkard ;  such  treatment  will  only  make 
him  sink  lower.  Recollect  this,  my  friends,  and  abide 
by  it.  Remember  also  that  a  drinking  man  is. doubly 
sensitive  at  times,  and  small  trifles  have  great  influ- 
ence. 

Mr.  H ,  a  very  wealthy  man  belonging  to  one 

of  the  first  families  of  the  Empire  State,  was  seen  in 


I  JRESOL  YE  TO  REFORM.  167 

New  York  City  in  a  reduced  condition.  He  had  been 
on  a  protracted  spree,  and  his  nervous  system  was  so 
prostrated  he  could  not  raise  a  glass  to  his  lips.  He 
was  observed  to  call  for  liquor,  and  to  depend  on  his 
little  son,  about  eight  years  of  age,  to  hold  it  to  his 
lips,  he  meanwhile  kneeling  on  the  floor  to  accommo- 
date himself  to  the  reach  of  his  boy.  What  an  inci- 
dent for  that  young  lad  to  remember !  Mr.  H— 
was  taken  in  hand  by  a  friend  to  humanity — an  entire 
stranger — and  received  from  him  great  care  and  fre- 
quent prescriptions  of  kind  and  sympathetic  words. 
Tie  finally  recovered  after  a  severe  illness  which  he  was 
not  expected  to  survive.  I  am  happy  to  say  that  he 
i .;  now  a  faithful  and  zealous  supporter  of  the  temper- 
ance cause,  and  has  done  good  service  therein. 

My  protracted  spree  had  rendered  me  a  pitiable  ob- 
ject to  behold.  I  had  an  emaciated  look,  for  I  was 
unable  to  eat ;  my  stomach  craved  only  driir •:,  and  strong 
drink  at  that.  I  knew  if  something  was  not  done  soon 
that  I  must  die. 

I  resolved  to  reform,  and  try  once  more  to  conquer 
the  appetite  which  ruled  me  with  a  rod  of  fire.  I  had 
no  one  to  go  to  for  advice  or  help  ;  all  seemed  to  have 
deserted  me ;  I  stood  alone  on  the  broad  desert  of  de- 
spair, but  I  could  faintly  discern  the  outlines  of  my 
guardian  angel,  hovering  above  me  in  the  azure  expanse 
of  the  sky  of  hope. 

I  had  found  by  sad  experience  that  I  could  not  de- 
pend upon  myself.  I  must  look  only  to  God  for  help 
in  my  great  hour  of  need.  I  went  to  my  room,  brought 
out  my  long-neglected  Bible,  and  placing  the  sacred 


168  TEMPTATIONS  RESISTED. 

volume  on  my  tool-chest  knelt  by  its  side,  and  poured 
out  my  soul  in  earnest  prayer  that  I  might  be  kept 
from  again  falling. 

Oh,  how  happy  I  felt  after  this  !  New  hope  seemed 
to  fill  my  heart ;  the  blood  in  my  veins  grew  warmer ; 
the  sun  shone  brighter ;  and  the  flowers  gave  out  a 
sweeter  perfume.  All  nature  seemed  changed ;  and 
the  chains  of  intemperance  hung  loose  around  me ; — 
would  that  I  could  shake  them  off  at  once  and  forever  ! 

When  I  went  out  into  the  streets  it  seemed  like  a 
new  world  to  me,  and  after  I  had  passed  a  grog-shop 
I  would  exclaim  to  myself — Thank  God  I  had  the 
strength  to  resist  the  strong  temptation  to  enter  and 
call  for  rum  !  At  times  the  desire  to  enter  one  of  these 
gates  of  hell  would  so  overpower  me,  that  when  I  was 
sure  I  was  n earing  one  I  would  rush  across  the  street 
to  avoid  it.  At  other  times  I  would  clench  my  hands 
and  grind  my  teeth,  and  run  with  all  my  might  to  get 
past  one  of  these  dens.  Some  who  have  not  become 
enslaved  to  drink  may  perhaps  doubt  this ;  take  warn- 
ing that  you  do  not  know  its  truth  by  bitter  experi- 
ence. 

Fortune  soon  favored  me,  for  I  obtained  work  at 
carpentering,  and  was  enabled  to  earn  enough  to  gain 
a  good  living  and  some  more.  I  was  before  long  able 
to  make  a  respectable  appearance  on  the  streets,  and 
experienced  great  pleasure  when  my  friends,  and  some 
others  with  whom  I  had  not  been  acquainted,  took  mo 
by  the  hand  to  congratulate  me  on  my  improved  con- 
dition and  express  the  hope  that  I  would  continue  in 
the  same  path.  I  attended  church  regularly,  and  the 


WOMAN 'S  INFL  UENGE.  169 

weekly  prayer-meeting  where  I  was  brought  within  a 
circle  of  people  who  strengthened  me  and  encouraged 
me  greatly  in  my  new-formed  resolution. 

The  want  of  suitable  society  is  a  great  bar  to  the 
reformation  of  many  drinking  men.  They  are  in  their 
sober  moments  so  ashamed  of  their  weakness,  that  they 
are  backward  in  going  among  respectable  people,  and 
resort  to  their  old  haunts  to  pass  their  time,  where 
they  again  fall  into  old  habits.  They  should  be  encour- 
aged by  their  female  friends — not  avoided  like  a  leper. 
"Women  do  not  know  what  influence  they  have ;  they 
can  do  great  service  in  the  cause  of  temperance.  I 
admit  that  they  have  done  and  are  now  doing  much ; 
but  the  field  is  wide,  and  the  harvest  is  ripe  for-  the 
gathering. 

A  few  years  ago,  in  the  city  of  P ,  a  young 

lady  was  singing  a  song  of  this  character,  when  a  poor, 
miserable  drunkard  came  staggering  along.  The  mel- 
ody charmed  him,  and  he  stopped  to  listen.  After  she 
had  ceased,  he  groped  his  way  into  the  house  and  asked 
if  that  was  sung  for  his  benefit.  She  told  him  it  was 
for  the  benefit  of  all  to  whom  it  applied.  After  some 
minutes  he  requested  her  to  repeat  the  song.  She 
complied,  and  when  it  was  concluded  requested  him 
to  sign  the  pledge ;  he  did  so  with  tears  in  his  eyes, 
and  has  kept  it  to  this  day.  He  is  now  a  respectable 
physician,  surrounded  by  numerous  friends,  beloved 
by  every  one,  and  a  great  worker  in  the  cause  of  God 
and  humanity.  . 

Ladies,  remember  this  your  great  power,  and  use  it 
for  the  benefit  of  mankind. 
8 


CHAPTER  XX. 

CONTINUED  to  work  at  the  carpenter 
business  for  some  time  but  did  not  feel  satisfied- 
One  day  a  gentleman  came  to  me  and  said  that 
he  had  been  induced  to  call  as  parties  in  the 
town  had  recommended  me  to  him.  He  expressed  a 
desire  for  me  to  take  some  goods  which  he  had  on 
hand  and  sell  them  for  him.  He  would  set  a  certain 
price  on  them,  and  would  wait  until  I  had  disposed  of 
them  for  the  money.  After  deliberating  on  his  propo- 
sal for  a  while,  and  seeing  that  he  was  anxious  for  me 
to  enter  into  his  plans,  I  consented  to  do  so,  and 
embarked  in  the  enterprise  on  his  terms.  I  shipped 
some  of  the  goods  into  the  country,  and  soon  followed 
them. 

I  found  it  rather  up  hill  work  to  dispose  of  some  of 
my  stock,  and  had  to  work  very  hard  traveling  around 
the  country.  I  had  faithfully  kept  my  resolution  not 
to  drink ;  but  my  business  required  me  to  patronize 
hotels,  and  one  night  I  joined  in  drinking  a  glass  of 
liquor.  I  had  often  refused  to  drink  with  parties  when 

170 


NEWS  FROM  FORT  SUMPTER.  171 

invited  to  do  so,  and  do  not  know  what  came  over  me 
in  that  moment  of  weakness  to  make  me  forget  my- 
self and  do  so  then.  I  certainly  did  not  dream  that 
that  single  glass  of  whisky  would  be  the  means  of 
causing  me  days  and  weeks  of  the  bitterest  sorrow  I 
Had  ever  known.  That  one  glass  paved  my  way  with 
thorns  of  affliction,  and  caused  me  in  the  end  to  suffer 
more  in  my  mind  than  I  thought  I  could  suffer  and 
still  live.  That  single  drink  awakened  the  sleeping 
demon  of  thirst  within  me,  and  glass  after  glass  I  poured 
down  to  keep  the  first  company  :  in  fact,  I  was  at  the 
late  hour  of  my  retiring  feeling  very  unlike  myself. 

The  next  morning  the  natural  consequences  of  a 
night's  indulgence — a  parched  throat  and  intense  thirst 
— were  the  penalty.  I  was  obliged  to  drink  before 
I  could  eat  my  breakfast.  I  did  not  go  on  and  indulge 
freely  as  I  had  on  previous  occasions,  but  I  took  sev- 
eral drams  every  day,  and  as  I  never  drank  alone  it 
cost  me  more  to  pay  my  bills,  at  times,  than  my  sales 
amounted  to. 

On  my  return  from  my  first  trip,  I  paid  the  man  &:• 
some  of  the  goods  and  started  out  with  a  new  supply. 
I  bargained  with  a  customer  for  quite  a  large  quantity 
of  goods  and  returned  again  to  procure  them. 

I  arrived  in  the  evening,  and  the  next  morning  the 
news  came  that  electrified  the  nation.  Fort  Sumter 
had  been  fired  upon  by  the  rebels,  and  the  whole  town 
was  in  a  state  of  excitement  which  I  never  saw  equaled 
during  the  entire  war  which  followed.  Merchants  left 
their  counting-rooms  and  mechanics  their  benches ; 
laborers  threw  down  their  tools,  and  men,  women,  and 


1 72  THE  HALL  Y  ABOUND  THE  FL^ G. 

children  stood  in  groups  conversing  about  this 
great  event  in  the  history  of  our  country.  Was  it 
possible  that  we  were  to  be  involved  in  all  the  dread- 
ful horrors  of  war  ?  Had  the  time  come  when  the 
father  should  turn  his  hand  against  the  son,  the  sou 
against  the  father?  when  brothers  with  hatred  in  their 
eyes  should  meet  in  mortal  combat  ? 

In  a  few  days  intelligence  came  that  Major  Ander- 
son had  been  forced  to  surrender  the  fort  after  a  des- 
perate resistance  against  great  odds,  having  no  means 
of  obtaining  reinforcements ;  stipulating  however  with 
the  victors  that  his  flag  should  receive  a  salute  ere  it 
was  lowered  to  the  ground. 

The  dear  old  flag !  hitherto  respected  by  all  nations, 
loved  by  all  who  owed  it  allegiance,  and  feared  by  all 
who  had  ever  sought  to  rend  its  starry  folds.  Through 
the  wild,  untrodden  wilderness  the  red  man's  cheek 
had  paled  before  its  waving  stripes  ;  its  stars  had  flashed 
their  brilliancy  in  the  halls  of  the  Montezumas ;  and  it 
had  been  nailed  to  the  mast  in  many  a  bloody  conflict 
on  the  briny  deep,  coping  successfully  with  the  proud 
mistress  of  the  seas. 

Were  men,  born  under  its  protecting  folds,  now  to 
learn  to  hate  it,  and  meet  their  countrymen  in  war's 
dread  carnage  ?  Who  could  realize  that  such  would  be 
the  fact?  All  true  citizens  were  ready  to  exclaim— 

"  Stand  by  the  flag !  all  doubt  and  treason  scorning, 

Believe,  with  courage  firm  and  faith  sublime, 
That  it  will  float  until  the  eternal  morning 
Pales,  in  its  glories,  all  the  lights  of  Time." 


VISIT  TO  NEW  YORK—MAJOK  ANDERSON.         173 

The  President  asked  for  seventy-five  thousand  vol- 
unteers, and  the  country  .responded  to  the  call : — 

"  Lay  down  the  ax,  fling  by  the  spade  : 

Leave  in  its  track  the  toiling  plow ; 
The  rifle  and  the  bayonet-blade 

For  arms  like  yours  were  fitter  now ; 
And  let  the  hands  that  ply  the  pen 

Quit  the  light  task,  and  learn  to  wield 
The  horseman's  crooked  brand,  and  rein 

The  charger  on  the  battle-field." 

A  company  was  formed  in  the  village  and  was  soon 
on  its  way  to  the  front.  I  was  very  anxious  to  enlist, 
but  only  those  went  who  were  in  the  militia  and  knew 
the  drill  somewhat ;  consequently  I  was  not  able  to  get 
my  name  enrolled.  I  saw  them  the  night  they  left, 
marching  through  the  streets.  Their  flashing  torch- 
lights were  quite  a  display,  and  the  quick  tap  of  the 
drum  and  strains  of  martial  music  by  the  band  made 
many  a  heart  beat  with  true  patriotism.  Under  such 
excitement  I  could  not  refrain  from  drinking  with  oth- 
ers. Some  who  were  not  in  the  habit  of  drinking 
liquor  at  all,  now  drank  quite  freely  under  the  excite- 
ment. 

I  heard  that  Major  Anderson  was  coming  to  New 
York,  and  I  went  down  the  river  to  see  for  myself 
what  the  feeling  was  there  in  reference  to  the  coming 
struggle.  He  was  to  have  a  reception  at  Union  Square, 
and  thither  I  turned  my  steps  on  my  arrival  in  the 
city.  Such  a  crowd  of  human  beings  I  had  never  wit- 
nessed before  ;  the  excitement  was  intense.  Men  and 
women  seemed  to  be  almost  frantic.  The  housetops 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  park  were  covered  with  people 


174:       FIRST  APPEARANCE  AS  A  PUBLIC  SPEAKER. 

waving  their  hats  and  handkerchiefs  and  singing 
"  The  Star  Spangled  Banner."  I  truly  believe  that  if 
a  man  had  said  one  word  against  the  Union  he  would 
have  been  torn  in  pieces.  The  flag  which  had  waved 
on  the  ramparts  of  Fort  Sumter,  was  hanging  on  the 
horse  supporting  the  Equestrian  Statue  of  Washing- 
ton in  the  square.  When  Major  Anderson  stepped  on 
the  platform  which  had  been  erected  for  the  occasion, 
cheer  after  cheer  rent  the  air.  lie  explained  to  the 
people  his  position,  and  what  occurred  at  the  fort  dur- 
ing the  bombardment,  to  which  the  crowd  listened  with 
4£reat  attention. 

On  my  return  home  I  made  up  my  mind  to  go  out 
and  arouse  the  people  by  holding  meetings  and  speak- 
ing as  best  I  could  on  the  state  of  affairs.  I  consulted 
some  ot  my  friends,  who  said,  "  Go  by  all  means  and 
do  what  you  can."  So  I  procured  a  large  number  of 
posters,  and  started  out  on  my  mission. 

The  first  meeting  that  I  held  was  a  success  as  to 
numbers,  and  passed  off  very  satisfactory.  I  contin- 
ued to  speak  evenings,  and  during  the  day  made  sales 
of  my  merchandise.  I  also  indulged  in  liquor  while 
on  this  tour,  and  was  sometimes  considerably  under  its 
influence.  Many  of  the  men  who  enlisted  were  not 
satisfied  unless  they  could  have  a  good  time  before 
they  left  home  for  the  seat  of  war,  and  whisky  was  an 
indispensable  article  on  such  occasions.  I  was  brought 
into  close  companionship  with  these  recruits,  and  must 
drink  and  have  a  pleasant  time  with  them  ;  and  I  soon 
found  myself  drinking  almost  as  much  as  ever.  I  did 
not  however  get  really  intoxicated,  but,  to  use  a  term 


I  ENLIST  A  COMPANY.  175 

much  in  vogue  at  that  time,  I  kept  chuck  full.  The 
excitement  kept  me  up,  for  I  was  continually  holding 
war  meetings,  making  speeches,  and  disposing  of  my 
goods  as  fast  as  possible,  although  my  sales  were 
sometimes  too  small  to  pay  the  extra  expenses  I 
incurred. 

I  soon  made  up  my  mind  to  raise  a  company  myself, 
and  offer  my  services  to  Uncle  Sam.  I  succeeded  in 
getting  the  necessary  number  of  recruits,  but  the  strain 
on  my  mind  and  body  had  been  so  great,  going  without 
sufficient  sleep,  drinking  large  quantities  of  vile  whis- 
ky, and  exerting  myself  beyond  reason,  that  I  found 
myself  on  a  bed  of  sickness.  Tired  nature  could  hold 
out  no  longer.  It  was  some  time  before  I  could  leave 
my  room,  and  in  the  meantime  the  regiment  I  was 
attached  to  was  ordered  into  service  at  the  South,  and 
not  being  able  to  be  mustered  in  with  them  I  was  left 
behind,  my  men  having  another  captain  appointed  over 
them. 

After  I  had  recovered  sufficiently  to  walk  out  I  con- 
cluded to  go  to  the  village  of ,  on  the  Hudson, 

where  my  parents  had  recently  located,  and  try  to  dis- 
pose of  some  of  my  merchandise.  While  seated  on 
the  steamer's  upper  deck,  meditating  on  my  situation 
and  thinking  about  my  checkered  life,  oblivious  of  all 
around  me,  a  hand  was  laid  on  my  shoulder  and  at  the 
same  time  a  voice  exclaimed — 

"  Holloa,  George ;  where  you  bound  for  now  ?" 

This  brought  my  reverie  to  a  sudden  termination. 
Casting  my  eyes  up  to  the  intruder  I  met  the  gaze  of 
an  old  familiar  friend,  whom  I  had  previously  known 


176  UP  THE  HUDSON. 

in  Albany.  After  shaking  hands  and  passing  friendly 
congratulations  he  proposed  that  we  should  adjourn  to 
the  bar,  and  take  something  to  refresh  the  inner  man. 
I  felt  quite  weak  after  my  sickness,  and  forgetting  or 
not  thinking  of  the  principal  cause  of  that  illness,  I 
accepted  his  invitation. 

After  drinking  I  thought  I  would  return  the  com- 
pliment by  asking  him  to  join  me  in  another  glass,  and 
again  we  indulged.  The  second  drink  put  new  life 
into  my  veins,  and  I  felt  cheerful  and  soon 'forgot  my 
past  misfortunes.  We  talked  over  old  times,  and  I 
almost  forgot  where  I  was  going  and  cared  less. 

When  the  boat  arrived  at  the  place  where  I  was 
intending  to  stop,  we  were  both  in  a  condition  that 
made  it  difficult  to  navigate.  My  business  being  a 
secondary  object  in  the  condition  I  was  in,  I  acceded 
to  his  proposition  to  accompany  him  to  Albany.  On 
our  arrival  at  the  capitol  we  repaired  to  a  rum-shop, 
and  spent  the  remainder  of  the  day  and  evening  drink- 
ing, making  sure  at  the  same  time  that  all  those  in  the 
bar-room  should  drink  at  our  expense.  About  ten 
o'clock  I  determined  to  go  to  a  hotel  if  I  could  keep 
on  my  feet  long  enough,  for  I  was  powerfully  under 
the  influence  of  the  poison  I  had  drank  during  the 
brief  time  I  had  spent  with  my  friend.  How  many 
men  have  been  plunged  into  a  long  protracted  spree 
by  being  induced  to  take  one  social  drink  with  a  friend, 
ending,  perhaps,  in  delirum  tremens  and  death. 

Oh  drinker  of  this  vile  stuff  that  has  destroyed 
thousands  of  our  most  promising  youth,  if  you  will 
still  persist  in  treading  the  broad  highway  of  death — 


A N  H  VEXING  A  T  ALBANY.  1 77 

to  hell,  do  not,  I  entreat  you,  induce  others  to  join  you ; 
do  not  show  a  false  light  on  the  rock  of  destruction  by 
asking  others  to  drink  who  are  weak  and  easily 
influenced. 

How  I  managed  to  get  to  the  hotel  I  have  no  idea, 
but  the  next  morning  I  found  myself  in  a  room,  in 
bed,  and  noticed  that  there  was  a  glass  of  liquor  on  the 
wash-stand.  Probably  I  had  brought  it  up  with  me 
the  night  before,  but  I  did  not  remember  it.  My  feel- 
ings cannot  be  described;  death  seemed  to  be  near;  it 
was  different  with  me  than  at  other  times,  for  I  was  so 
debilitated  by  past  sickness  that  I  had  hardly  strength 
to  move.  My  whole  body  seemed  to  be  on  fire,  and  I 
coulcl  not  repress  my  groans.  I  held  my  poor,  quiver- 
ing hands  up,  and  looked  at  them ;  they  did  not 
seem  to  be  mine,  and  I  felt  a  pity  for  whoever 
they  did  belong  to.  I  could  hardly  feel  ene  with 
the  other,  their  sensitiveness  had  become  so  dead. 

I  looked  at  the  glass  on  the  wash-stand  and  thought 
—If  I  drink  it,  it  may  be  the  means  of  my  death ;  but 
I  will  drink  it  though  I  die,  for  I  shall  surely  die  if  I 
do  not  have  relief  from  this  agony.  Mechanically  I 
reached  out  my  hand,  and  could  not  feel  the  glass  when 
I  knew  it  was  tight  between  my  fingers.  I  raised  it 
to  my  lips  and  drained  it  to  the  dregs,  sinking  back 
again  on  my  pillow.  I  could  feel  the  liquor  burn  in 
my  breast,  and  feel  the  hot  blood  leap  to  my  cheeks. 
My  sluggish  brain  once  more  began  to  act,  and  the 
tremors  of  my  body  gradually  abated. 

I  knew  that  more  must  be  procured  before  the  effect 
of  this  glass  passed  off,  and  that  I  must  make  an  effort 
8* 


178  MY  FlVfi  GALLONS  OF  GIN. 

to  rise  from  my  bed.  I  succeeded  in  getting  out,  but 
was  obliged  to  sit  on  the  edge  of  my  couch  for  some 
time,  I  felt  so  weak  and  ill.  After  several  attempts  I 
finally  made  my  toilet,  and  went  down  stairs  and  di- 
rectly to  the  bar.  The  first  one  I  saw  was  my  friend, 
who  was  in  the  act  of  drinking  a  glass  of  rum.  When 
he  saw  me  he  dropped  his  glass,  saying — 

"  What  in  Heaven's  name  is  the  matter  with  you  ? 
You  look  like  the  ghost  of  Hamlet." 

I  replied  that  I  felt  rather  ghostly,  and  that  my  looks 
did  not  belie  me. 

"  Come  !  come  !"  said  he,  "  you  are  better  than  half- 
a-dozen  dead  men  yet.  Cheer  up  and  take  a  drink." 

He  filled  a  glass  to  the  brim  and  passed  it  to  me.  I 
soon  set  it  down  on  the  bar,  empty,  and  took  a  chair 
beside  my  friend.  I  found  that  he  did  not  know  what 
had  become  of  me  the  night  before,  I  disappeared  so 
suddenly,  and  he  had  been  to  several  public  houses 
making  inquiries  for  me.  Finding  my  name  on  the 
books  of  this  one,  he  had  waited  for  my  appearance, 
not  liking  to  disturb  me. 

We  soon  took  more  rum,  and  then  started  out 
around  the  city,  traveling  all  day,  and  frequently  re- 
freshing ourselves  at  the  low  grog-shops  in  our  way. 
Just  before  night  I  stepped  into  a  wholesale  liquor 
store  and  purchased  a  five  gallon  keg  of  gin.  I  then 
conveyed  it  to  a  boarding  place  where  they  sold  bad 
whisky  and  had  lodging  rooms  to  let.  I  asked  the 
proprietor  if  he  would  give  me  a  room,  and  at  the 
same  time  allow  me  to  drink  my  own  liquor  and  treat 
whoever  I  felt  disposed  to. 


THE  KEG  EMPTIED.  179 

He  intimated  that  he  had  liquor  for  sale  at  his  bar ; 
but  I  informed  him  that  my  gin  was  a  superior  article, 
and  I  wanted  to  get  rid  of  it,  and  knew  no  better  way 
than  to  drink  it.  He  complied  with  jny  request  in 
regard  to  the  room  provided  I  would  pay  him  his 
price,  and  we  soon  came  to  terms. 

It  was  several  days  before  my  drinking  friend  and 
myself  emptied  the  keg ;  and  during  the  time  I  did 
not  draw  a  sober  breath.  We  had  sense  enough  to  eat 
while  we  were  drinking,  and  by  the  time  we  finished 
the  keg  we  were  somewhat  bloated.  Liquor  effects 
persons  differently  according  to  their  temperament. 
Some  men  who  drink  hard  wear  a  flushed  face,  and 
those  who  are  not  conversant  with  their  habits  would 
suppose  it  a  sign  of  health.  Others  look  pale  and 
emaciated ;  their  eyes  wear  a  wild  wandering  look : 
they  are  never  at  rest ;  their  limbs  are  in  constant  mo 
tion  ;  a  nervousness  is  noticed  about  their  every  move 
ment ;  one  glass  of  rum  will  awaken  their  appetite, 
and  they  cannot  stop  until  they  become  so  debilitated 
that  their  stomach  rejects  food,  and  in  the  latter  stage, 
liquor  itselt.  These  last.,  if  they  do  not  break  off  the 
habit,  must  soon  succumb  to  the  destroyer.  But  nc 
matter  how  constituted,  all  who  pour  down  this  liquic 
fire  must  eventually  come  to  a  miserable  end,  and  be 
the  cause  of  misery  to  all  connected  with  them. 


CHAPTEK  XXI. 

kAYINGr  remained  as  long  as  I  could  with- 
out using  all  my  money  up,  I  determined  to 
try  once  more  to  go  home  and  see  my  parents, 

and  again  took  passage  for  C ,  bidding  my 

friend  farewell.  Five  years  afterwards  I  met  him  once 
more ;  he  was  then  clothed  in  rags,  and  entirely  desti- 
tute— all  the  effects  of  drinking  rum. 

I  continued  to  drink  on  the  boat  as  she  glided  down 
the  placid  waters  of  the  Hudson  on  her  way  to  the 
great  metropolis.  When  we  stopped  at  the  nearest 
landing  to  my  destination  I  went  on  shore,  but  con- 
cluded to  put  up  at  the  hotel  that  night  rather  than  go 
home,  as  my  appearance  was  not  very  presentable. 

I  was  somewhat  of  a  stranger,  but  soon  made  plenty 
of  friends  by  my  liberality  in  treating  everybody  that 
came  up,  and  before  ten  o'clock  there  were  but  few 
sober  men  in  that  bar-room.  One  fellow  who  had 
drank  rather  freely  began  to  impose  on  me.  This  the 
bar-keeper  would  not  allow,  and,  jumping  over  the  bar, 
he  dealt  him  a  powerful  blow  which  caused  him  to 
change  his  base,  and  he  retired  from  the  field  ra-ther 

180 


MY  FATHER  SENDS  FOR  ME.  181 

crest-fallen ;  we  saw  no  more  of  him  until  next  morn- 
ing. After  he  was  gone  the  bar-keeper  took  my  hand 
and  said — 

"  I'll  see  no  one  misuse  you,  or  he  does  it  over  my 
dead  body." 

From  that  hour  we  became  firm  friends.  He  was  a 
young  man  of  ability,  and  with  his  manliness  and  enter- 
prise would  have  made  his  mark  in  most  any  situation. 
The  last  I  knew  of  him  he  was  the  proprietor  of  the 
largest  hotel  in  the  town,  and  I  hope  that  he  is  keep- 
ing a  temperance  house  now.  He  often  said  to  me  in 
after  days — 

"  George,  I  sell  rum  I  know ;  but  I  cannot  let  you 
have  it  for  I  know  it  would  be  doing  you  a  great 
wrong ;  one  glass,  and  you  are  no  longer  a  sane  man." 

I  remained  at  this  village  nearly  a  week,  drinking 
incessantly.  At  the  end  of  that  time  my  father  heard 
that  I  was  there  and  sent  my  Uncle  James  down  to  try 
and  induce  me  to  go  home.  He  said  my  mother  was 
nearly  frantic  about  me,  and  if  I  did  not  come  directly 
she  would  come  after  me  herself. 

Thinking  it  best  to  comply  with  her  request,  I 
started  off  with  Uncle  James.  On  our  arrival  I  found 
my  folks  filled  with  anxiety,  and  at  the  same  time 
overjoyed  to  see  me,  for  I  had  been  absent  about  two 
years. 

I  remained  at  home  some  three  or  four  months,  going 
nearly  every  day  to  the  village  where  plenty  of  rum 
could  be  had,  and  being  well  supplied  with  cash  I  lav- 
ished it  freely  on  my  drinking  associates.  At  night  I 
would  purchase  a  quart  bottle  of  whisky,  and  take  it 


182  EXPOSTULATIONS  0V  XT  PARENTS. 

along  home  to  quench  my  thirst  until  I  should  again 
visit  the  village.  In  this  way  I  managed  to  keep 
pretty  well  stimulated. 

My  health  at  this  time  began  to  fail  me  again,  and 
my  finances  became  reduced.  I  had  disposed  of  my 
goods  from  time  to  time,  until  but  half  of  iny  original 
stock  remained.  I  well  knew  that  the  people  in  the 
vicinity  were  informed  as  to  my  bad  habits,  and  I  had 
not  the  courage  to  offer  any  thing  for  sale  during  the 
last  month  of  my  stay.  My  dear,  good  mother  was 
almost  broken-hearted  no  doubt ;  she  wept  and  prayed 
for  me  each  night,  but  never  with  one  unkind  word  or 
look  did  she  greet  me,  though  she  often  plead  with  me 
to  stop  in  my  wild  career  of  dissipation. 

My  father  would  frequently  expostulate  with  me. 
Often  would  he  repeat  these  words — 

"  George,  I  know  I  drink,  but  I  never  drank  like 
you.  Your  life  will  be  short  if  you  continue  to  do  as 
you  are  doing." 

One  afternoon,  after  taking  on  board  a  large  cargo 
of  assorted  liquors  I  made  sail  for  home.  By  repeat- 
edly standing  off  .and  on  I  made  some  headway,  but 
the  nearer  I  came  towards  home  the  harder  it  was  to 
navigate  ;  in  fact  I  became  liquor-logged.  I  would 
look  up  and  mark  an  object  to  take  my  course  from, 
but  soon  lose  it  and  have  to  tack  ship  and  come  around 
again,  my  sails  all  aback.  As  my  ballast  consisted 
principally  of  whisky,  it  was  no  wonder  I  rolled  about 
so. 

There  was  a  stiff  northerly  breeze,  but  wTing  and 
wing  was  out  of  the  question,  and  at  off  and  on  I  lost 


.1  XPfiCIMEX  OF  NA  VIGATION.  183 

ground,  and  was  in  a  quandary  how  my  voyage  was 
to  terminate.  Having  lost  all  control  of  my  steering 
apparatus  I  drifted  into  the  trough  of  the  sea,  and 
soon  found  myself  on  a  lee-shore — in  fact  bearing  up 
fast  against  the  orchard  wall. 

My  mother  was  watching  me  from  the  door  of  our 
house,  and  seeing  that  I  would  founder  unless  I  re- 
ceived aid,  she  sent  my  brother-in-law  out  to  pilot  me 
in.  When  we  came  within  a  few  rods  of  the  house  I 
concluded  I  could  make  the  remainder  of  the  voyage 
alone,  and  giving  up  his  arm  I  started  off.  but  soon 
brought  up  and  capsized  on  the  green-sward,  just 
missing  being  precipitated  into  a  deep  well  which  was 
without  a  curb. 

My  mother  screamed  aloud,,  and  my  father  came  out 
and  picked  me  up  and  led  me  into  the  house.  I  must 
have  cut  a  very  comical  figure  while  navigating  across 
that  ten  acre  lot,  for,  as  mournful  as  the  sight  must 
have  been  to  look  at  it  in  one  point  of  view,  my 
mother  could  not  refrain  from  laughing,  although  her 
eyes  were  filled  with  tears  of  sorrow  at  seeing  me  in 
that  condition. 

Header,  have  you  ever  stood  on  a  pier  and  seen  a 
noble  ship  start  out  on  her  first  voyage  across  the 
ocean  ?  How  grand  she  looks  !  almost  like  a  thing  of 
life,  as  she  moves  majestically  through  the  waters. 
You  almost  wish  you  stood  upon  her  deck,  with  her 
to  traverse  the  pathless  ocean.  Her  voyage  may  be 
prosperous  for  a  time,  but  soon  the  signs  of  a  storm 
appear  gathering  over  her  head ;  the  winds  begin  to 
moan  through  the  rigging ;  low  muttering  thunder  is 


184:  PICTURE  OF  A  SHIPWRECK  AT  SEA. 

heard,  and  the  vivid  flash  of  lightning  glances  across 
the  blackening  sky.  At  first  faint  ripples  agitate  the 
waters ;  then  comes  rolling  in  all  its  majesty  a  raging 
wall  of  waves.  The  helm  is  brought  about ;  the  ship 
is  headed  to  the  wind ;  the  heavy  sails  come  rattling 
down  to  the  yards,  and  busy  hands  make  fast  the  reef 
ropes.  She  rears  her  head  to  meet  the  boiling  flood, 
and  plunges  like  a  frenzied  horse ;  the  monster  wave 
sweeps  her  deck  and  buries  her  beneath  the  waters. 
She  recovers  herself  for  a  moment,  her  timbers  creak, 
seams  open,  and  the  briny  liquid  finds  its  way  to  her 
center.  The  pumps  are  rigged  and  worked  by  des- 
perate men  until  it  is  a  hopeless  task.  She  gives  one 
frantic  leap,  and  plunges  with  all  on  board  into  the 
lower  depths ;  not  a  plank  remains  to  show  where  she 
went  down. 

It  is  precisely  so  with  some  young  men.  They  start 
on  the  voyage  of  life  with  staunch  hearts,  determined 
to  breast  the  tide.  Bright  are  their  prospects  ;  to  reach 
a  haven  of  happiness  to  them  seems  easy.  But  in  a 
moment  of  unguarded  danger  the  storms  of  temptation 
overwhelm  them,  and  they  perish  in  the  great  sea  of 
Intemperance. 

One  day  the  thought  occurred  to  me  to  take  a  trip 
to  the  town  of  L —  — ,  about  eight  miles  distant,  and 
I  soon  started  on  foot. 

On  arriving  there  I  took  up  my  quarters  in  a  rum- 
shop  where  I  remained  some  two  days,  drunk  all  the 
time.  I  then  turned  my  steps  towards  home,  and  after 
walking  about  four  miles  I  became  so  weary  that  I 
thought  I  would  lie  down  under  a  tree  bv  the  road-side. 


A TTA  CKED  B  Y  A  SNAKK  185 

and  rest.  I  soon  fell  asleep  and  the  sun  was  just  dis- 
appearing in  the  west  when  I  awoke. 

I  had  slept  off'  the  effects  of  the  rum  that  had  sus- 
tained ine,  and  when  I  regained  my  feet  I  could  hardly 
stand.  About  two  miles  beyond  was  a  rum-shop,  and 
1  dragged  my  weary  limbs  toward  it.  My  whole  frame 
was  in  a  tremor ;  every  slight  noise  startled  me ;  fear 
took  possession  of  my  mind.  I  crept  along  as  though 
escaping  from  some  deadly  enemy.  Strange  noises 
seemed  to  issue  from  rocks  and  trees;  iiends  peopled 
the  dense  shades  and  mocked  me  in  my  terror ;  the 
faster  I  went  the  nearer  came  the  prowling  monsters, 
and  I  feared  they  would  out-flank  me  and  cut  me  off 
from  the  grog-shop,  which  now  seemed  to  be  my  only 
salvation — my  haven  of  relief  and  safety.  I  was  on 
the  borders  of  delirium  tremens. 

It  was  a  wild,  rocky  section  of  country,  and  as  I 
made  the  best  of  my  way  through  a  rocky  glen,  a  cop- 
perhead snake  sprang  from  a  hole  near  me,  and  buried 
his  fangs  in  my  pantaloons.  I  sprang  wildly  into  the 
air,  and  the  woods  echoed  with  my  yells.  My  frantic 
struggles  shook  the  serpent  free,  but  my  courage  was 
not  strong  enough  to  kill  it.  Oh,  I  thought,  what  a 
narrow  escape  from  death  !  If  its  deadly  fangs  had  en- 
tered my  flesh  what  a  horrible  end  would  have  been 
mine  there  alone  in  the  woods,  and  what  a  termination 
to  a  useless  life ! 

This  occurrence  stamped  itself  deeply  on  my  mind. 
I  shall  never  forget  it. 

I  reached  the  groggery,  and  drank  glass  after  glass 
of  liquor  in  succession.  I  was  soon  free  from  the  hor- 


186  DELIRIUM  TREMENS. 

rible  images  which  had  haunted  my  imagination,  and 
purchased  a  bottle  of  liquor  to  keep  them  off  on  my 
way  home.  I  arrived  at  my  father's  at  about  ten  o'clock 
and  went  to  bed. 

The  next  morning  I  went  to  the  village  and  remained 
nearly  all  day.  At  night  I  imagined  that  my  room 
was  tilled  with  fiends,  and  I  could  hear  them  talk  and 
whisper  to  themselves,  and  beckon  me  to  come  and 
join  them  in  their  horrible  orgies.  They  then  became 
more  bold  and  sat  in  conclave  on  my  bed,  some 
pressing  the  breath  out  of  my  body,  and  I  could  hear 
a  grating  sound  like  the  grinding  of  teeth.  Cold  per- 
spiration stood  in  great  drops  upon  my  frame,  for  I 
was  filled  with  horror.  Slimy  creatures  crept  over  my 
body  and  made  the  very  hairs  of  my  head  twist  with 
agony.  Monster  serpents  hissed  their  hot  breath  into 
my  face,  and  glared  at  me  with  unearthly  eyes. 

During  this  dreadful  suffering  I  remembered  that  I 
had  a  bottle  of  liquor  under  my  pillow,  but  my  hands 
were  powerless — nerveless ;  hours  of  most  intense  ago- 
ny seemed  to  elapse  before  I  regained  the  use  of  them, 
and  then  I  thought  there  were  serpents  under  the  pil- 
low coiled  around  the  bottle.  I  felt  their  cold  forms, 
and  my  hand  flew  through  the  air  to  escape  the  touch, 
striking,  as  it  happened,  against  the  back  of  a  chair 
standing  near  the  bed,  which  brought  me  in  some  de- 
gree to  my  senses.  I  then  grasped  the  bottle  as  a 
drowning  man  would  a  plank,  and  poured  down  its 
contents  until  I  nearly  strangled.  I  drank  enough  to 
keep  off  the  demons  who  had  haunted  me,  but  the 
morning  found  me  in  great  suffering. 


THE  RE  A  CTION.  187 

I  did  not  leave  my  bed  that  day.  Every  object 
looked  strange  to  me.  The  features  of  my  own  mother 
seemed  to  be  -distorted,  and  she  seemed  to  glide  across 
the  floor  like  a  spirit.  I  called  frequently  for  some 
buttermilk,  and  poured  it  down  to  relieve  my  burning 
thirst.  I  could  hold  no  conversation  with  any  one ;  I 
could  dwell  on  no  particular  subject ;  my  thoughts 
would  flit  from  one  thing  to  another  without  control, 
and  I  did  not  even  know  my  own  name. 

I  drank  no  liquor  for  several  days,  and  could  eat  but 
little.  My  appetite  gradually  returned  to  me  and  my 
mind  began  to  regain  its  balance,  but  I  was  far  from 
recovered. 


CHAPTEK  XXII. 

day  while  seated  in  the  house  two  men 
entered  and  one  of  them,  unknown  to  me, 
approached,  and  laying  his  hand  on  my  shoul- 
der said — 

"I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  I  am  on  a  very  dis- 
agreeable duty.  I  am  a  sheriff  and  must  ask  you  to 
accompany  me  ;  consider  yourself  under  arrest." 

If  a  cannon  had  been  discharged  in  my  ear  I  should 
not  have  been  more  surprised.  My  heart  beat  quick 
and  I  felt  as  though  I  should  sink  into  the  floor. 

When  I  had  sufficiently  recovered  my  wandering 
senses  I  asked  why  they  made  the  arrest.     The  sheriff 
pointed  out  his  companion  and  said — 
"  That  man  is  the  one  to  answer  you." 
Then  for  the  first  time,  as  I  had  been  so  frightened, 
I  looked  at  the  other  man.     It  did  not  take  a  second 
glance  to  enable  me  to  recognize  the  man  of  whom  I 
had   purchased  the  goods  several  months  before  in 

N .     There  was  no  help  for  me  ;  the  sheriff  took 

my  watch  and  other  valuables,  and  we  started  off,  after 
having  had  a  very  sad  parting  scene  with  my  parents. 

188 


IN  JAIL.  189 

We  took  the  train  for  N .     It  was  evening  when 

we  arrived.  As  I  was  arrested  for  debt  and  had  no 
one  to  go  my  bail,  of  course  I  must  go  to  jail.  I  had 
taken  the  precaution  to  put  on  my  best  suit  of  clothes, 
and  many  remarks  were  passed  between  the  other 
prisoners  as  to  what  could  be  the  cause  of  my  being 
in  such  a  place,  as  my  appearance  did  not  indicate  that 
I  was  much  used  to  such  quarters. 

While  standing  in  the  corridor,  one  of  the  prisoners 
passed  a  cigar  through  the  grating  of  his  door  and 
expressed  a  desire  to  have  me  in  the  cell  with  him,  at  the 
same  time  trying  to  cheer  me  up.  During  the  con- 
versation which  passed  between  us  I  found  that  a  too 
strong  propensity  for  appropriating  horse-flesh  had 
brought  him  to  grief.  He  introduced  himself  as 
"  Jocky  Jim  from  all  around." 

The  jailor  soon  reappeared  with  a  huge  bunch  of 
keys,  and  to  the  joy  of  my  new  acquaintance,  Jocky 
Jim,  assigned  us  the  same  cell.  For  three  weeks  I 
occupied  that  cell  with  Jocky  Jim,  and  during  that 
time  we  enjoyed  ourselves  as  well  as  could  be 
expected  under  the  circumstances,  and  related  our 
adventures  to  each  other.  I  learned  that  he  was  the 
son  of  _one  of  the  most  wealthy  men  in  that  section  of 
the  country. 

While  in  jail  I  was  visited  by  some  of  the  most  influ- 
ential men  of  the  town,  who  were  desirous  of  acting 
as  friends  and  bailing  me  out,  but  I  would  not  consent 
to  it.  I  wished  to  see  the  thing  through. 

There  were  sad  moments  while  I  was  in  prison  when 
I  would  wander  back  to  my  home,  in  my  imagination, 


190  JOCKY  JIM  AND  L 

and  think  of  how  my  parents  would  feel  did  they  know 
where  I  was.  My  half-brother,  hearing  of  my  difficulty, 
sent  me  money  and  engaged  the  best  of  counsel  for  my 
approaching  trial. 

One  day  while  Jocky  Jim  slept  peacefully  on  his 
prison  bunk,  I  passed  my  time  in  composing  &poem 
which  I  here  give. 

o 

"  Kind,  loving  friends,  the  die  is  cast ; 
In  lonely  jail  I  am  at  last ; 
Come  plead  my  case — come  pay  my  bill, 
Or  I  a  convict's  cell  may  fill. 

The  charge  against  me  is  untrue, 
No  unjust  deed  I  wished  to  do ; 
By  cursed  rum  I  was  o'erthrown, 
Causing  my  dearest  friends  to  moan. 

My  mother  dear,  I'm  sad  to  know 
My  conduct  caused  your  tears  to  flow ; 
Forgive  me  now,  forget  the  past — 
I  hope  to  be  redeemed  at  last. 

My  prison  life  is  lone  and  drear, 
I  have  no  friends  or  comforts  here ; 
And  if  again  I  am  set  free, 
I'll  thank  God  for  my  liberty." 

I  submitted  my  production  to  the  criticism  of  Jocky 
Jim  on  his  awakening  from  his  siesta,  and  he  pro- 
nounced it  good — which  is  more  than  I  can  expect 
from  my  readers.  He  said  he  had  but  one  objection 
to  it,  which  was  that  it  was  too  solemn,  and  as  he  felt 
in  the  right  mood  he  would  try  his  talents  in  the  same 
line.  Seating  himself  in  a  corner  of  the  cell  he  soon 
produced  the  following — 


TRIAD  AND  ACQUITTED.  191 

"  I'm  trapped  at  last,  and  without  bail 
I  find  myself  in  this  old  jail, 
For  being  caught  while  riding  'round 
With  Billy  Wilkin's  bob-tail  brown. 

To  Staten  Island  Jones  was  sent, 
On  catching  Jocky  Jim  intent ; 
Then  on  the  Powell  we  set  sail 
And  landed  at  the  county  jail. 

Wilkins  and  Jones  both  came  to  me 
To  learn  about  their  property  ; 
Said  I,  '  My  friends,  if  you  prove  kind 
The  horse  and  buggy  you  shall  find." 

On  the  lower  part  of  the  manuscript  he  added  a 

postscript — 

"If  you  admire  the  author, 
Please  choose  him  for  your  daughter." 

He  carefully  folded  his  production  and  sent  it  to  the 
gentleman  that  he  had  stolen  the  horse  from.  Towards 
night  Mr.  Wilkins  came  to  the  cell-door,  to  show  his 
appreciation  of  the  verses  by  presenting  Jocky  Jim 
with  a  box  of  cigars,  at  the  same  time  telling  him  to 
let  him  know  when  they  were  gone,  as  he  intended  to 
keep  him  supplied  while  he  was  awaiting  trial. 

On  the  day  of  my  trial  I  had  my  witnesses  ready, 
and  iny  lawyer  was  on  hand.  The  man  who  had  me 
arrested  was  placed  on  the  stand,  and  his  own  testimony 
would  have  been  sufficient  to  have  proved  my  entire 
innocence  of  any  attempt  to  defraud  him  of  a  cent. 
But  we  thought  best  to  let  all  the  witnesses  in  my  fa- 
vor give  their  testimony.  The  presiding  judge  said 
there  was  no  evidence  against  me,  and  that  I  was  free 
from  all  charges  and  released  from  further  durance. 


192  A  MAN  IN  THE  SNO  W. 

It  was  a  great  pleasure  to  be  once  more  a  free  man 
and  receive  -the  congratulations  of  my  many  friends. 
One  of  the  most  influential  men  of  the  town  invited 
me  to  a  sumptuous  dinner  which  contrasted  very  much 
with  my  late  prison  fare. 

My  next  move  was  to  get  employment ;  and  looking 
over  the  advertisements  in  a  newspaper  my  eye  fell 
upon  one  of  a  business  which  I  thought:  would  suit  me. 
It  was  for  agents  to  sell  prize  packages  for  a  New  York 
firm.  I  borrowed  some  money  from  a  friend  and  em- 
barked in  this  business,  and  soon  had  a  brisk  trade. 
After  a  few  weeks  I  took  a  partner,  and  we  traveled 
together  meeting  with  good  success.  We  visited  nearly 
all  the  towns  in  the  vicinity,  and  were  always  sure  of 
doing  a  good  business  at  hotels  where  anything  unusual 
was  going  on  to  attract  people.  I  still  had  a  desire  to 
drink,  and  frequently  accepted  invitations  to  imbibe 
with  young  men. 

One  night  as  we  were  going  to  a  hotel  where  there 
was  to  be  a  party,  we  saw  an  object  lying  in  the  snow. 
It  was  in  the  winter  season  and  somewhat  dark.  We 
approached,  and  found  to  our  surprise  that  it  was  a  man 
very  drunk  and  nearly  frozen.  Having  no  conveyance 
we  could  not  take  him  along;  so  we  harried  to  the 
tavern,  about  a  mile  distant,  and  informed  them  of 
the  facts,  and  they  started  after  him  with  a  team  di- 
rectly. 

When  they  returned  with  him  he  was  more  dead 
than  alive,  and  they  set  about  trying  to  revive  him, 
rubbing  him,  and  pouring  hot  liquor  down  his  throat, 
which  soon  brought  him  around  all  right,  and  in  an 


FIGHTING  THE  TIGER.  193 

hour's  time  he  was  dancing  and  drinking  with  the  best 
of  them.  I  am  positive  he  would  have  perished  had 
we  not  happened  along  the  road  and  discovered  him. 

I  soon  fell  into  my  old  habit  of  drinking  to  excess 
and  spending  all  my  money,  and  I  became  discouraged 
and  concluded  to  remove  to  some  new  field  of  opera- 
tions. Gathering  up  my  effects  I  went  to  New  York 
city.  I  engaged  a  room  at  the  Girard  House,  where  I 
fell  in  with  a  gentleman  who  was  desirous  of  seeing  the 
sights  in  and  around  the  city  ;  as  I  was  somewhat  posted 
I  agreed  to  act  as  his  guide.  We  promenaded  the 
streets  all  day,  drinking  freely,  and  in  the  evening  en- 
tered a  gambling  establishment  near  Broadway. 

Here  we  were  induced  to  fight  the  tiger,  for  we  were 
somewhat  intoxicated  and  easily  influenced.  I  saw 
that  they  were  cheating  us,  and  expostulated.  High 
words  ensued,  when  one  of  the  gamblers  drew  a  pistol 
from  his  pocket  and  presented  it  to  my  head,  threaten- 
ing to  blow  my  brains  out. 

Knocking  his  pistol  out  of  his  hand  I  dealt  him  a 
blow  between  the  eyes  which  laid  him  low,  and  then, 
securing  his  pistol,  I  sprang  back  and  presented  it  to 
the  crowd  and  told  tkem  to  stand  off  if  they  valued  life. 
My  new-made  friend  had  flown  and  left  me  to  fight  it 
out  with  the  cut-throats  alone.  I  kept  them  at  bay  un- 
til I  reached  the  door,  when  I  opened  it,  threw  the  pistol 
into  the  crowd,  and  leaped  down  the  stairway. 

On  reaching  the  side-walk  I  found  my  friend  trem- 
bling with  fear.  He  grasped  my  arm  and  exclaimed — 

"  For  God's  sake  let  us  get  away  from  this  dreadful 
place  or  we  shall  be  murdered." 
9 


194:  ENLISTED— DISCHARGED— ASSA  ULTED. 

I  remained  in  New  York  until  I  had  not  a  dollar 
left,  and  pawned  all  my  things  that  I  could  raise  any 
money  on  with  which  to  buy  liquor,  as  I  craved 
more  than  ever  before.  I  walked  the  streets  night  after 
night  without  a  place  to  lay  my  weary  frame  and  aching 
head,  suffering  not  only  for  rum  but  for  food,  repeating 
to  myself — My  God  !  what  will  become  of  me? 

I  eventually  enlisted  as  a  volunteer,  to  go  to 
the  seat  of  war,  but  was  discharged  for  disability. 
I  returned  to  New  York,  regardless  of  the  former  mis- 
ery rum  had  caused  me  there,  and  commenced  a  course 
of  dissipation  which  lasted  nearly  a  month. 

One  day  I  went  to  a  hotel  bar  and  called  for  liquor, 
and  after  drinking  the  same  I  informed  the  bar-tender 
I  had  -no  money  to  pay  him.  He  came  around  the 
bar,  and  advancing  to  my  side  dealt  me  a  powerful 
blow  on  the  head  which  felled  me  to  the  marble  floor, 
driving  the  breath  from  my  body. 

I  was  badly  hurt ;  several  gentlemen  standing  by 
remarked  that  it  was  a  shame  to  strike  me,  and  the 
rum-vender  ought  to  be  served  the  same  way.  He 
seemed  to  regret  that  he  had  struck  me  after  his  anger 
had  somewhat  cooled ;  but  that  did  not  help  me,  for 
the  fall  on  the  marble  floor  had  injured  me  internally, 
and  to  this  day  I  feel  the  effects  of  it. 

As  soon  as  I  was  able  I  staggered  out  of  the  ungodly 
place.  Having  no  money  I  went  to  the  conductor  of 
one  of  the  trains  to  Albany  and  stated  ray  case.  He 
gave  me  a  pass  to  that  city  and  two  dollars  in.  money. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

the  train  reached  Peekskill  I  left  the 
cars  in  search  of  a  drink,  and  the  train  went 
without  me.  I  entered  the  village  and  took 
several  drinks  of  whisky,  and  afterwards 
went  into  a  lager-beer  saloon  and  indulged  freely  in 
beer.  This  made  me  very  much  intoxicated,  and  I 
went  out  into  a  shed  and  lay  down  in  an  old  sleigh. 

How  long  I  slept  I  know  not ;  but  when  I  awoke 
my  cap  was  gone,  and  I  was  nearly  stiff  with  cold. 
There  seemed  to  be  no  person  up  in  town  and  no  place 
open  where  I  could  procure  rum.  I  pulled  oif  my 
coat,  and  putting  it  over  my  head  and  around  me  I 
started  for  the  depot,  which  I  soon  reached,  but  I  could 
not  get  in. 

Seeing  an  old  well-curb  near,  I  got  behind  it  to  shield 
me  from  the  wind,  and  went  to  sleep  again.  About 
daylight  I  was  aroused,  and  looking  up  I  found  three 
or  four  men  near  me,  who  told  me  to  get  up  or  I  would 
freeze  to  death.  I  made  several  attempts  to  rise  before 
I  succeeded  in  gaining  my  feet.  I  was  chilled  to  the 
bone,  and  my  teeth  chattered  like  castinets.  They 

195 


196  AD  VENTURES  OF  A  VA  GABOND. 

got  me  to  the  depot  and  tried  to  ascertain  who  I  was, 
but  I  would  not  tell  them,  for  I  was  ashamed  and  had 
but  little  life  left  in  me  and  did  not  feel  like  answering 
questions. 

After  a  while  a  freight  train  came  along  with  caboose 
attached,  and  I  got  on  board  and  rode  to  Poughkeepsie. 
Just  before  the  train  arrived  one  of  the  brakemen 
spoke  to  me,  and  seeing  I  had  no  hat  on  asked  me  what 
had  become  of  it.  I  told  him  it  was  lost.  He  took 
me  to  his  house,  gave  me  something  to  eat  and  an  old 
white  hat  to  wear.  It  was  Sunday,  and  he  invited 
me  to  remain  with  him  until  Monday.  His  good  wife 
felt  very  sorry  for  me,  and  expressed  a  desire  that  I 
would  reform.  She  said  she  knew  what  it  was  to  have 
an  intemperate  father,  and  felt  for  any  one  who  was  a 
slave  to  drink. 

At  that  time  they  had  in  Poughkeepsie  a  society  of 
drinking  men,  who  were  organized  for  the  purpose  of 
aiding  intemperate  persons  who  needed  help.  They 
heard  of  me,  and  since  my  reformation  I  have  under 
stood  that  they  searched  the  place  to  find  me  and  give 
me  aid.  Many  of  the  men  who  were  members  of  this 
society  are  now  reformed,  and  in  the  front  ranks  of  the 
brave  army  of  Temperance. 

The  next  day  I  made  my  way  home  and  arrived 
there  nearly  dead.  After  recruiting  my  strength  I 
determined  to  make  another  dash  out  into  the  world, 
and  accordingly  went  to  Schoharie  County  where  I 
had  friends  living.  I  engaged  to  work  for  a  relative 
at  preparing  the  wood-work  for  ploughs.  The  black- 
smith in  his  employ  was  a  hard-drinking  man ;  he  kept 


VARIOUS  OCCUPATIONS.  197 

a  bottle  of  liquor  continually  in  the  shop,  and  shared  it 
with  me.  Sometimes  I  drank  to  such  an  extent  that 
I  was  not  able  to  work. 

One  day  Mr.  G ,  the  proprietor,  left  me  to  finish 

some  ploughs,  and  went  off  on  business.  As  soon  as 
he  was  out  of  sight  the  blacksmith  and  myself  procured 
a  fresh  supply  of  liquor,  and  for  three  or  four  days  we 
drank  to  excess,  and  when  he  returned  the  work,  was 
unfinished.  He  was  one  of  the  best-hearted  men  in 
the  world,  and  had  once  drank  himself  to  such  an  ex- 
tent that  he  knew  by  sad  experience  what  rum  would 
do.  Instead  of  being  angry  he  spoke  kindly  to  us, 
remarking  that  he  guessed  we  boys  had  enjoyed  our- 
selves pretty  well  in  his  absence. 

After  I  had  finished  work  for  Mr.  G I  went  to 

a  neighboring  town  and  worked  in  the  hop-fields,  pull- 
ing hop-poles.  When  the  season  was  over  I  went  to 
work  carpentering,  a  hundred  miles  away  from  this 
place.  I  continued  to  drink,  often  to  excess — especially 
on  Sundays  when  there  was  no  work  to  be  done  as 
I  kept  a  bottle  of  liquor  in  my  room.  Often,  of  a  Mon- 
day morning,  instead  of  being  refreshed  by  a  Sunday's 
rest,  I  was  so  weak  that  I  could  hardly  raise  sufficient 
courage  to  go  to  work.  I  was  frequently  in  danger 
of  falling  from  the  scaffolding  of  buildings,  as  my  head 
would  swim,  obliging  me  to  grasp  a  brace  to  keep  my 
footing.  Oh,  what  long  days  they  were  to  me !  It 
seemed  as  if  six  o'clock  would  never  come ;  but  when 
it  did  I  would  hurry  home  and  drink  large  quantities 
of  liquor. 

I  remained  until  winter  set  in,  and  then  went  to  a 


198  A  VICTIM  OF  DELIRIUM  TREMENS. 

large  town  some  distance  off,  and  on  the  Massachusetts 
line.  I  engaged  to  board  in  a  place  where  two  bars 
were  kept — one  in  the  basement  and  one  on  the  first 
floor.  They  did  a  large  business  at  rum-selling,  and 
many  a  poor  drunkard  spent  his  last  ten  cents  at  the 
counter. 

There  was  one  poor  fellow  who  had  once  lived  r«' 
spected  and  been  well  off  in  worldly  goods,  who  was 
such  a  slave  to  rum  that  he  washed  out  the  bars  and 
acted  as  a  general  drudge  around  the  premises,  just  for 
what  liquor  they  gave  him.  One  Saturday  night  I 
drank  with  him,  and  he  appeared  as  well  as  usual.  The 
following  Sunday  I  gave  him  a  drink,  and  noticed  him 
drinking  several  times  through  the  day.  That  night, 
at  nine  o'clock,  word  came  that  lie  was  dying.  I  went 
to  see  him  accompanied  by  the  basement  bar-tender. 

He  lived  in  an  upper  room  with  quite  a  large  family, 
and  it  needed  but  one  glance  to  show  that  it  was  a 
drunkard's  home.  Two  policemen  had  hold  of  him 
and  were  walking  him  across  the  room  ;  his  eyes  were 
rolling  wildly  in  his  head,  the  pupils  had  rolled  up 
under  his  brows  and  disappeared,  and  he  was  unable 
to  see.  His  tongue  protruded  from  his  mouth,  and 
blood  slowly  trickled  down  his  chin,  showing  that  his 
teeth  were  penetrating  his  tongue.  He  was  suffering 
all  the  horrors  of  delirium  tremens.  His  daughter  was 
wringing  her  hands  in  anguish,  and  blistering  tears 
and  looks  of  terror  covered  the  faces  of  his  family. 

I  never  saw  such  misery  before,  and  hope  I  never 

shall  again.  Yet  here,  in  W ,  where  I  write, 

but  a  few  days  ago  there  was  discovered  by  the  police 


A  DRUNKAK&S  EPITAPH  199 

a  family  consisting  of  husband,  wife,  and  several  chil- 
dren— one  at  the  breast — who  were  in  a  most  miserable 
plight.  The  husband  and  wife  had  been  on  a  spree 
for  nine  days  and  both  were  suffering  from  mania  apotu, 
while  the  children  were  actually  in  a  starving  condi- 
tion, and  would  probably  have  died  if  the  neighbors 
had  not  given  them  food.  The  parents  were  taken  to 
the  police  station,  the  mother  being  so  frantic  as  to 
tear  her  clothing  off  in  shreds,  imagining  her  children 
dying  before  her.  Her  condition  is  considered  critical 
at  this  time. 

But  to  return  to  the  poor  slave  of  drink  whom  we 
left  in  such  suffering.  He  died  that  night.  It  was  a 
most  fearful  death,  and  his  sufferings  were  dreadful  to 
behold.  It  would  take  a  more  powerful  pen  than 
mine  to  describe  a  fraction  of  that  heart-rending  scene. 
But  few  followed  the  poor  inebriate  to  his  last  resting- 
place  excepting  his  wife  and  children.  Rum  had 
claimed  his  victim,  and  another,  who  might  have  been 
—God  knows  what,  had  gone — God  knows  where. 
Be  that  as  it  may.  Judge  not  that  ye  be  not  judged. 
As  no  marble  slab  marks  his  last  resting-place,  let 
this  be  his  epitaph — 

"  Stop,  stranger,  stop,  and  drop  a  tear ; 
A  drunkard's  bones  lie  mouldering  here ; 
To  appetite  he  was  a  slave, 
Rum  brought  him  to  an  early  grave. 

His  wife  and  children  plead  in  vain* 
That  he  from  drinking  would  abstain : 
Weak  his  resolves — temptations  great- 
Be  warned  by  his  unhappy  fate." 


200  ADRIFT  IN  MID  WINTER. 

The  closing  scenes  of  this  man's  career  haunted  me 
for  a  long  time  and  I  was  unable  to  shake  them  off.  I 
thought  that  it  might  have  been  me  in  place  of  him, 
and  I  could  not  help  fancying  that  I  might  be  Hum's 
next  victim.  The  landlady  was  in  terror  for  days,  and 
remarked  that  it  was  a  mean  business  to  sell  liquor  and 
they  would  give  it  up  if  they  were  not  so  badly  in  debt. 
I  discontinued  drinking  for  some  weeks,  but  was  soon 
at  it  again  as  bad  as. ever. 

Not  liking  the  work  that  I  was  doing  in  the  shop 
here  I  left,  not  caring  much  where  I  went ;  but  I  final- 
ly brought  up  at  the  town  of  A ,  where  I  met  with 

a  man  whom  I  had  become  acquainted  with  in  my  last 
stopping-place,  and  we  were  soon  drinking  deeply  and 
kept  at  it  for  several  days.  I  then  found  that  I  had 
but  thirty-five  cents  left  in  the  world. 

It  was  midwinter,  and  my  clothing  was  not  sufficient 
to  keep  me  comfortable.  What  to  do,  or  where  to  go 
to  keep  from  freezing  and  starving  I  did  not  know, 
and  my  wants  were  pressing.  I  purchased  a  few  fried 
cakes,  put  them  in  my  pocket,  and  started  off  down 
the  road,  not  knowing  what  would  become  of  me. 

The  day  was  bitter  cold  and  the  wind  penetrated 
my  garments,  while  the  blinding  snow  and  sleet  dashed 
into  my  face.  After  walking  an  hour  or  two  I  came 
to  a  barn,  and,  thinks  I  to  myself,  I  can  get  under  the 
hay  and  keep  warm  until  morning.  Finding  the  door 
unlocked  I  entered  and  crawled  up  the  hay-mow  where 
I  dug  a  hole  large  enough  to  get  into,  and  then  drew 
the  hay  over  me.  I  felt  very  cold,  but  after  some  time 
I  fell  asleep. 


HA  Y-MO  W  EXPEDIENCES.  201 

How  long  I  slept  I  do  not  know ;  when  I  awoke  I 
was  nearly  frozen  to  death,  and  it  was  a  good  while 
before  I  could  get  my  blood  circulating  freely.  I  suc- 
ceeded in  reaching  the  barn  floor,  where  I  stamped 
my  feet  and  rushed  back  and  forth  in  the  darkness 
trying  to  get  warm.  I  then  opened  the  door,  and  was 
soon  on  the  road  again. 

As  good  luck  would  have  it  I  saw  a  light  in  the 
distance,  and  found  on  approaching  that  it  was  in  a 
factory.  I  made  the  best  of  my  way  to  the  engine 
room,  and  took  a  seat  near  the  boiler  where  I  could 
get  warm.  I  remained  there  until  morning,  seeing  no 
person.  Then  I  eat  some  of  my  cakes,  and  again  start- 
ed on  my  travels. 

About  noon  I  came  to  the  town  of  P ,  on  the 

edge  of  Vermont,  where  I  soon  obtained  work.  I 
remained  until  towards  spring,  when  I  attended  a  party 
at  Bennington,  and  became  very  much  intoxicated. 
During  the  next  day  I  returned  home,  and  continued 
drinking  at  the  hotel  until  late  at  night.  Not  wishing 
to  be  seen  by  Mr.  "W —  -  (for  whom  I  worked)  and 
his  family,  I  went  to  the  barn  and  slept  in  the  hay 
with  a  buffalo-robe  over  me.  When  I  awoke  I  was 
very  much  chilled  and  had  taken  a  severe  cold. 

I  felt  so  ashamed  of  myself  that  when  Mr.  W 

asked  me  to  go  home  with  him  I  told  him  I  could  not 
stay  with  him ;  that  I  must  go  away.  I  thought  that 
every  one  in  town  must  know  how  disgracefully  I  had 
acted,  and  that  I  could  not  look  them  in  the  face.  Mr. 

W settled  up  with  me,  and  I  took  the  cars  for  Troy 

where  I  remained  several  days. 


202  AT  TROT— A  KIND  POLICEMAN. 

One  day  I  had  taken  an  unusual  amount  of  liquor 
which  must  have  been  drugged.  I  lost  all  sensibility, 
and  when  I  came  to  myself  I  was  in  the  custody  of  a- 
policeman  in  the  suburbs  of  the  city.  I  could  not  tell 
him  how  I  came  there  or  where  I  intended  to  go ;  in 
fact  I  was  so  bewildered  1  did  not  know  much  of  any- 
thing. My  hat  was  gone,  and  my  hands  were  cut  and 
bruised.  He  took  me  to  a  hotel  instead  of  the  station- 
house,  and  told  the  landlord  to  give  me  a  room. 

In  the  morning  after  I  had  slept  off  the  worst  effects 
of  the  rum  I  made  investigations  to  ascertain  my  losses, 
and  was  fortunate  enough  to  have  left  a  few  dollars 
which  I  had  put  into  my  watch-pocket.  I  settled  with 
the  landlord  for  my  room  and  went  out  to  get  me  a 
hat.  I  brushed  up  a  little  at  a  barber-shop  and  took 
several  drinks ;  then  left  Troy  and  went  to  Albany, 
not  caring  to  stop  longer  where  I  had  been  so  unfor- 
tunate. 

I  soon  tired  of  Albany,  and  making  up  my  mind  to 
change  the  scene  to  some  distance,  I  traveled  to  the 

town  of  K A in  the  Old  Bay  State.     When 

I  had  got  rested  from  my  journey  I  found  that  my 
my  funds  were  rather  low,  and  in  a  few  days  I  was  re- 
duced to  my  last  dollar.  I  thought  I  would  have  the 
good  of  that,  and  went  into  a  rum-shop  where  I  took 
several  drinks  in  succession,  filling  the  glasses  to  the 
brim.  The  liquor  made  me  wild,  and  that  day  I  en- 
listed again,  but  to  this  time  I  have  no  recollection  as 
to  how  it  came  about. 

The  next  morning  I  felt  some  one  roughly  pulling 
me  and  calling  me  to  get  up,  saying  that  it  was  most 


DRUGGED  AND  ENLISTED-CAMP  WOOL.  203 

eight  o'clock.  I  inquired  who  he  might  be  and  what 
place  I  was  in.  He  told  me  he  was  a  recruiting  officer ; 
'that  I  had  enlisted,  and  was  in  a  room  which  he  had 
taken  for  me  at  a  hotel.  He  also  requested  me  to  be 
ready  to  start  in  about  an  hour. 

How  I  felt  no  pen  can  describe — no  tongue  can  tell. 
I  had  no  money,  and  could  not  procure  the  liquor 
necessary  to  keep  me  from  being  delirious.  I  told  the 
officer  I  should  die  if  I  could  not  get  some  whisky,  and 
at  all  events  they  would  have  to  leave  me  behind,  as  I 
was  unable  to  travel  in  the  state  I  was  in.  He  kindly 
gave  me  two  dollars,  and  told  me  to  go  and  get  what 
1  wanted. 

That  was  a  happy  moment  for  me.  I  could  have 
kissed  his  hand.  I  would  have  become  the  slave  of 
the  man  who  would  give  me  the  means  of  procuring 
rum.  I  went  down  to  the  bar  and  drank  several  glasses ; 
the  death-like  feelings  soon  left  me,  and  I  once  more 
seemed  like  myself.  I  went  into  the  dining-room  and 
partook  of  a  hearty  breakfast ;  then  made  my  prepara- 
tions for  leaving  for  Camp  "Wool. 

I  purchased  a  bottle  of  whisky,  which  kept  up  my 
spirits  until  I  came  to  the  camp  ;  then  I  was  taken  ill 
from  the  effects  of  bad  liquor,  and  for  several  days  was 
on  the  sick-list. 


CHAPTEE  XXIV. 

"WAS  so  much  reduced  from  long  exposure 
and  intemperate  habits  that  I  could  not  stand 
the  ups  and  downs  of  a  soldier's  life,  and  after 
being  examined  by  two  surgeons  I  was  pro- 
nounced unfit  for  service,  and  in  due  time  received  my 
discharge  with  transportation  to  the  place  of  enlist- 
ment. 

When  I  arrived  at  Worcester  Junction,  and  while 
waiting  for  a  train,  I  began  to  think  over  my  past  life, 
and  concluded  that  it  would  be  well  for  me  not  to  re- 
turn to  old  associations,  but  to  form  new  ones  and  try 
to  do  better  in  the  future.  I  finally  determined  to 
stop  in  Worcester,  and  see  if  I  could  not  get  work 
there  and  accomplish  something. 

With  this  resolution  firmly  impressed  on  my  mind, 
I  walked  down  the  railroad  towards  the  city.  After 
traveling  a  short  distance  I  came  to  a  flag  station  kept 
by  an  old  gentleman  from  Ireland.  I  addressed  him — 

"  Mister,  can  you  tell  me  the  way  to  that  portion  of 
the  city  where  the  most  business  is  done  ?'' 

"  Sure,  an'  I  can  that,  me  man :  you  must  keep 

204: 


FIRST  APPEARANCE  IN  WORCESTER.  205 

straight  on,  and  turning  to  the  left  you'll  soon  see  the 
Common,  and  from  there  you'll  soon  be  on  the  Main 
street." 

I  thanked  him  for  his  kindness  and  proceeded  on 
my  way.  I  felt  sad  indeed ;  my  money  was  all  gone 
except  ten  cents,  and  I  knew  no  one  in  the  place.  I 
was  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land. 

While  crossing  over  the  Common  I  saw  a  man  sitting 
on  a  bench.  From  his  appearance  I  took  him  for  a 
wanderer  like  myself,  and  sat  down  and  entered  into 
conversation  with  him.  I  soon  found  that  he  was  from 
the  Empire  State  and  we  were  immediately  on  the 
best  of  terms.  He  informed  me  he  had  been  in  the 
army  also,  and  inquired  as  to  the  state  of  my  finances. 

I  told  him  that  ten  cents  was  the  size  of  my  pile ; 
he  laughed,  and  said  that  he  could  beat  me  by  five 
cents — having  fifteen.  He  said  he  was  a  carriage-mak- 
er by  trade,  and  I  told  him  I  was  a  carpenter.  As  we 
were  both  strangers  in  the  city  we  pledged  fidelity  to 
each  other,  with  the  understanding  that  the  one  who 
first  obtained  work  should  support  the  other  until  he 
was  equally  fortunate. 

We  walked  down  Main  Street,  .and  turning  off  into 
the  poorer  portion  of  the  city  came  to  a  saloon  kept  by 
an  Irishman,  where  we  thought  we  could  get  a  small 
lunch  for  what  little  money  we  had ;  but  when  he  found 
out  that  we  were  from  the  army  he  ordered  his  wife 
to  get  us  up  a  good  square  meal,  and  would  not  take  a 
cent  of  us  in  payment.  We  thanked  him  for  his  kind 
hospitality,  and  told  him  we  must  go  and  look  for  work. 

The  kind-hearted  son  of  Erin  shook  hands  with  us, 


A  BLIE  SUNDAY. 

and  told  us  if  we  did  not  get  work  to  come  back  when 
we  were  hungry,  and  we  should  not  want  for  a  meal 
of  such  as  he  had  to  offer.  He  made  no  pretensions 
to  gentility,  but  was  nevertheless  a  true-hearted  gentle- 
man, God  bless  him. 

Opposite  his  saloon  was  a  carriage  shop  at  that  time, 
and  we  sauntered  in  to  see  what  the  prospects  of  get- 
ting work  for  my  new  friend  were.  The  proprietor 
was  wanting  a  man  on  fire-work,  but  my  friend,  not 
having  been  employed  on  such,  was  rather  dubious 
about  his  ability  to  give  satisfaction. 

After  looking  around  without  seeing  anything  to 
encourage  us,  we  thought,  as  it  was  Saturday  and  we 
had  no  place  to  stay  over  Sunday,  wre  had  better  make 
some  attempts  to  ensure  against  starvation.  My  friend 
proposed  that  I  should  go  to  some  hotel  and  put  up, 
and  he  would  continue  to  look  for  a  job,  and  meet  me 
in  the  course  of  an  hour  at  the  Irishman's  saloon  on 
Exchange  Street. 

The  reader  must  recollect  that  we  had  no  money, 
and  if  something  did  not  favor  us  we  should  not  have 
any  to  pay  our  bill  at  the  hotel  on  Monday  morning. 
But  having  been  in  many  a  tight  place  before,  I  felt 
willing  to  risk  it,  hoping  that  something  would  occur 
to  extricate  us  from  our  unpleasant  situation.  I  accord- 
ingly went  to  the  City  Hotel,  and  engaged  a  room  and 
board  until  Monday  morning. 

At  the  appointed  time  I  went  to  the  saloon  where  I 
had  promised  to  meet  my  friend,  but  he  was  not  there. 
I  waited  for  him  some  time  but  he  did  not  come.  I 
then  returned  to  the  hotel  and  tried  to  sleep,  but  my 


A  GENEROUS  DEED.  207 

thoughts  about  my  desperate  situation  kept  me  awake, 
and  my  friend's  failure  to  meet  me  as  he  promised 
made  me  feel  very  badly  indeed. 

Next  day  I  visited  the  saloon  several  times  to  learn 
what  had  become  of  my  acquaintance,  but  never  saw 
him  afterwards;  nor  did  the  proprietor  of  the  sa- 
loon ever  hear  of  him,  and  his  disappearance  remained 
a  mystery  to  us. 

While  sitting  in  the  hotel  Sabbath  evening,  I  entered 
into  conversation  with  a  young  man  who  said  he  was 
from  Canada,  and  a  carpenter  in  the  employ  of  a  builder 
by  the  name  of  Sibley.  I  informed  him  that  our  trades 
were  the  same  ;  that  I  was  in  search  of  a  job  ;  and, 
also,  that  I  was  in  a  quandary  as  to  how  I  should  settle 
my  hotel  bill  in  the  morning.  He  set  my  mind  at 
rest  by  handing  me  money  enough  to  pay  it,  and  said 
he  would  introduce  me  to  the  gentleman  he  was 
at  work  for,  who,  he  thought,  would  give  me  work 
also.  I  thanked  him  for  his  disinterested  kindness, 
and  he  said  he  would  wait  until  I  had  worked  a  while, 
before  receiving  back  the  money  he  had  loaned  me. 

The  next  morning  I  accompanied  my  new  friend 
(who  had  certainly  proved  himself  more  deserving  of 
the  name  than  the  man  I  had  met  on  the  Common) 
down  to  the  shop,  where  he  introduced  me  to  his  em- 
ployer and  informed  him  ol  my  wishes.  Mr.  Sibley 
hired  me  at  once  ;  he  then  went  out  and  engaged  me 
a  boarding-place,  and  I  went  to  work  with  new  hopes 
for  the  future.  Mr.  Sibley  was  a  very  kind  man,  and 
during  the  time  I  worked  as  a  mechanic  in  Worcester 
I  was  in  his  employ. 


208  RUM  INSTEAD  OF  SHOES. 

On  Saturday  night  I  informed  Mr.  Sibley  that  I  was 
very  much  in  want  of  a  pair  of  shoes,  and  he  gave  me 
nearly  all  that  was  due  me.  I  went  up  towards  Main 
Street,  and  as  I  was  passing  a  well-known  hotel  I  heard 
some  loud  conversation  inside,  and  thought  I  would 
just  step  in  and  see  what  was  going  on.  I  found  my- 
self in  the  bar-room,  and  being  rather  weary  from  un- 
usual labor  during  the  week  I  took  a  glass  of  liquor, 
forgetting  all  my  former  resolutions  and  the  awful  suf- 
ferings I  had  endured  from  indulging  in  one  glass. 

I  did  not  once  think  I  should  become  intoxicated 
and  spend  my  money  for  rum  instead  of  purchasing 
the  shoes  I  so  much  needed,  but  so  it  proved.  I  began 
conversing  with  the  bar-tender,  and  he  said  that  he 
had  seen  me  in  New  York  and  was  glad  to  meet  me 
in  Worcester. 

This  remark — although  I  did  not  remember  him — 
caused  me  to  linger  around  the  bar  until  I  had  taken 
several  drinks.  I  then  went  out  into  the  street,  drink- 
ing often  at  saloons  on  my  way. 

I  continued  drinking  for  several  days ;  at  night,  af- 
ter the  rum-shops  were  closed,  I  would  generally  walk 
the  streets  till  they  opened  in  the  morning.  It  was  in 
the  month  of  March  and  very  cold.  One  night  I  wan- 
dered down  through  Union  Street ;  corning  to  a  car- 
riage shop  and  seeing  some  old  cart  wheels  leaning 
against  the  building  I  crept  behind  them ;  though 
chilled  to  the  bone  tired  nature  could  hold  out  no  long- 
er, and  I  fell  asleep. 

When  I  awoke  I  was  most  dead  ;  but  by  trying  sev- 
eral times  I  finally  succeeded  in  creeping  out  from 


IN  THE  LOWER  DEPTHS.  209 

behind  the  wheels  and  staggered  down  a  cross  street. 
Seeing  a  light  through  the  window  of  a  house  I  knocked 
at  the  door,  and  a  man  came  and  let  me  in.  He  seemed 
to  be  very  much  surprised  to  see  me  shivering  so,  for 
I  trembled  to  such  an  extent  that  I  could  neither  sit 
nor  stand.  It  was  a  place  where  liquor  was  sold  and 
he  mixed  me  up  some  hot  rum  and  I  poured  it  down, 
the  glass  rattling  against  my  chattering  teeth.  This 
warmed  me  up,  and  on  repeating  the  dose  several 
times  I  almost  forgot  my  narrow  escape  from  freezing 
to  death. 

On  the  fourth  day,  in  the  afternoon,  I  stumbled  on 
to  one  of  my  fellow  workmen,  and  he  began  to  reason 
with  me  and  persuade  me  to  go  back  to  work. 

"  No  sir,"  said  I,  "  he  will  not  take  me  back  :  after 
my  deceiving  him  in  such  a  manner  I  could  not  look 
him  in  the  face.  I  am  going  to  leave  this  city  if  I 
have  to  beg  my  way  to  some  other  place." 

I  felt  so  badly  I  could  not  refrain  from  crying.  My 
money  all  gone ;  my  poor  body  weak  and  trembling 
from  my  four  days  of  dissipation  and  exposure ;  a  stran- 
ger to  all  but  a  few  whom  I  could  not  meet  for  shame 
— when  I  say  that  I  felt  sad  and  wretched  they  are 
but  faint  words  to  express  my  misery  at  that  time. 

After  much  reasoning  and  persuasion  from  my  fel- 
low-workman, Mr.  Charles  Green,  I  consented  to  ac- 
company him  to  the  shop.  If  I  had  been  a  culprit 
sentenced  to  be  hung  and  on  the  way  to  the  place  of 
execution  I  could  not  have  felt  much  worse.  Several 
times  I  almost  made  up  my  mind  to  run  away  from 
Mr.  Green,  but  I  knew  he  would  follow  me  and  soon 


210  TRUE  FRIENDS. 

catch  me.  When  we  reached  the  stairway  that  led  up 
to  my  employer's  shop  I  halted ;  but  Green  said- 

"  Come  along ;  I  know  he  wants  to  see  you." 

On  entering  the  shop  Mr.  Sibley  accosted  me  with — 

"  Holloa  George ;  got  back,  have  you  ?" 

I  answered  faintly — 

"  Yes  sir ;  but  I  suppose  you  do  not  want  me  any 
longer." 

"Why  not?"  he  replied. 

"  Because  sir,  I  am  a  poor  victim  of  intemperance, 
and  have  deceived  you  greatly." 

"  You  are  not  the  only  one  in  this  city  that  drinks," 
said  he,  "  and  I  do  not  mean  to  discharge  you ;  I  will 
keep  you  because  you  are  unfortunate." 

These  words  of  kindness  so  affected  rne  that  I  have 
never  forgotten  them  ;  and  while  writing  about  it  my 
heart  seems  to  swell  as  it  did  then,  and  I  am  forced  to 
lay  down  my  pen  to  wipe  away  the  tears  that  are  steal- 
ing silently  down  my  cheeks. 

Oh,  what  a  vast  power  there  is  in  kindness  !  Some- 
times a  word  of  sympathy  may  be  the  saving  of  a  soul. 
Kind  words  are  cheap ;  be  not  so  sparing  of  them  ;  they 
do  more  good  than  you  can  imagine ;  none  know  their 
value  more  than  the  poor  drunkard.  A  single  word 
of  kindness  will  do  more  good  than  all  the  logic  and 
metaphysics  that  were  ever  uttered  by  mankind. 

In  one  of  our  New  England  towns,  there  was  a  man 
who  had  been  for  thirty  years  a  confirmed  inebriate. 
No  one  seemed  to  care  for  him  ;  every  one  called  him 
Old  H ,  and  the  boys  made  fun  of  him  as  he  stag- 
gered along.  One  day  he  stood  on  the  street,  sad  and 


'AN  ASTONISHED  INEBRIATE.         211 

gloomy,  when  a  lady  passing  by  accosted  him  with — 

"  Good  evening,  Mr.  H ." 

He  was  so  thunderstruck  that  he  could  make  no 
answer,  but  turning  to  a  gentleman  who  stood  near  he 
said — 

"  Did  that  lady  call  rne  Mr.  H ,  or  am  I  crazy  ?" 

The  man  informed  him  that  she  did  certainly  greet 
him  in  those  words.  From  that  hour  he  made  a  reso- 
lution to  reform  ;  there  must  be  a  mistake  ;  he  could 
not  be  past  all  hope,  or  that  lady  would  not  have  ad- 
dressed him  as  she  did.  He  joined  the  Sons  of  Tem- 
perance, and  at  this  time  holds  a  high  position  in  that 
order  and  is  known  and  respected  as  a  great  worker  in 
the  cause.  Saved  from  a  drunkard's  grave  by  a  few 
kind  words.  Remember  this,  my  readers,  and  see  if 
you  cannot  spare  a  few  such  words  to  some  poor, 
suffering  wretch. 

But  to  return  to  my  interview  with  Mr.  Sibley  ;  he 
was  kind  enough  to  go  with  me  to  the  boarding-house 
again ;  the  lady  who  kept  it  was  one  of  those  good 
souls  who  delight  in  seeing  any  one  try  to  do  well, 
and  she  took  me  back  as  a  boarder.  It  was  some  days 
before  I  felt  strong  enough  to  resume  work ;  but  when 
I  did  again  take  the  bench  I  resolved  to  do  the  best  I 
could,  and  for  three  months  I  did  not  even  take  a  glass 
of  beer.  I  purchased  clothing  suitable  for  moving  in 
decent  society,  and  attended  church  on  the  Sabbath ; 
and  I  can  say  that  they  were  three  very  happy  months 
to  me.  They  were  to  me  what  an  oasis  in  the  desert 
is  to  the  weary  traveler. 

One  day,  on  taking  up  a  daily  paper  I  noticed  an 


212  AGAIN  TEMPTED— FALLEN. 

advertisement  of  a  temperance  meeting  and  lecture 
which  was  to  be  held  in  Washburn  Hall,  and  having 
attended  but  one  temperance  meeting  in  my  life  I  con- 
cluded to  go  and  hear  what  the  lecturer  had  to  say. 
He  related  some  very  amusing  anecdotes  and  incidents 
relating  to  those  who  had  been  in  the  habit  of  drinking, 
and  I  was  so  much  pleased  that  I  gave  nearly  all  that 
I  had  with  me  in  the  way  ol  money.  He  had  never 
been  a  slave  to  drink,  and  his  remarks  did  not  reach 
me  as  they  would  if  he  had  related  his  own  experi- 
ence. 

On  receiving  my  pay  at  the  last  of  the  third  month 
I  started  out  to  make  some  necessary  purchases,  and 
while  passing  a  hotel  I  thought  I  would  stop  in  and 
look  over  the  papers  in  the  reading-room.  On  my  way 
out  I  passed  through  the  bar-room.  The  smell  of  the 
liquors  so  excited  me  that  after  I  had  reached  the  side- 
walk I  stopped  bewildered.  My  appetite  was  fast 
overcoming  me,  and  a  terrible  battle  was  going  on 
within  me.  To  go  back  or  not  to  go  back — that  was 
the  question  ;  my  evil  spirit  solved  it  for  me,  and  sent 
me  to  the  bar  where  I  ordered  something  to  drink.  I 
drank  in  that  saloon  until  I  had  squandered  thirty  dol- 
lars or  more. 

Some  people  who  read  this  wTill  say — "Why  did  you 
not  resist  the  temptation  ?"  All  I  have  to  say  is  that 
I  tried  hard  to  do  so,  but  could  not ;  and  many  a  man 
will  say  that  he  has  had  the  same  experience. 

It  is  related  of  a  drunkard,  that  when  asked  by  his 
friends  why  he  did  not  say,  "  Get  behind  me,  Satan," 
when  tempted  to  drink,  he  answered  that  Satan 


REMINISCENCES.  213 

was  always  behind  to  push  him  forward  into  the  rum- 
shop. 

The  reader,  unless  he  has  passed  through  the  same 
ordeal,  can  have  no  idea  what  I  experienced  for  the 
next  few  days.  It  is  unexpressible  in  words.  The 
first  I  can  recollect  is  that  I  met  Mr.  Sibley,.and  that 
he  told  me  to  go  to  my  boarding  house  and  take  a  rest, 
and  when  I  felt  sufficiently  recovered  to  come  to  work. 
I  did  as  he  advised,  and  the  landlady — a  good,  motherly 
Yankee  woman — made  for  me  a  decoction  of  "  yarbs," 
which  brought  me  around  to  myself,  and  I  was  soon 
able  to  resume  work.  But  the  old  habit  was  so  strong 
that  I  could  not  stand  it,  and  I  was  soon  under  the 
influence  of  my  old  enemy. 

On  becoming  sober  again  I  commenced  work,  but 
felt  so  ill  that  before  night  I  was  compelled  to  leave 
the  building  on  which  I  was  engaged,  and  it  was  fin- 
ished by  other  hands  than  mine.  It  stands  on  Burn- 
side  Court,  and  whenever  I  pass  that  way  the  old  days, 
now  gone  forever,  are  brought  vividly  to  my  mind. 

Although  seven  years  have  elapsed,  I  sometimes 
look  at  the  last  nails  I  drove  there,  and  think  of  the 
condition  of  my  mind  at  the  time,  and  thank  God  that 
I  am  disinthralled,  and  have  been  the  humble  instru 
ment  of  saving  others  from  that  dark  road  of  suffering 
and  death. 


CHAPTER  XXY. 

"AVING  given  up  work,  I  visited  New 
York  city,  where  I  had  some  business  to  tran- 
sact. After  calling  on  the  parties  I  wished  to 
see,  I  took  the  first  train  for  Springfield.  Rum- 
shops  were  numerous  there  at  that  time,  and  I  am 
sorry  to  say  there  are  a  great  number  at  present.  I 
fell  into  my  old  habit  and  went  from  one  to  another 
drinking  deeply ;  this  lasted  for  several  days  until  my 
money  was  expended. 

I  was  again  among  strangers,  with  no  money  to 
purchase  food  or  lodging.  I  had  nothing  to  pawn,  as 
luckily  for  me  I  had  left  my  trunk  in  Worcester.  But 
necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention.  I  inspected  ray 
wardrobe,  and  came  to  the  decision  that  I  could  get 
along  with  less  clothing  than  I  was  wearing. 

Without  hesitation  I  pulled  off  my  vest,  and,  hang- 
ing it  on  my  arm,  started  down  Main  street  to  try 
and  find  a  purchaser.  Stepping  into  a  liquor  store  I 
offered  it  for  sale.  The  man  I  addressed  proved  to  be 
the  proprietor  of  the  store. 

214: 


A  JOB  A  T  SPRINGFIELD— A  T  SUFFIELD.  215 

"Why  sir,"  said  he,  "what  under  the  heavens  do 
you  want  to  sell  it  for  ?" 

"  For  a  very  good  reason,"  I  replied,  "  for  I  have  no 
money,  and  no  friends  in  this  place." 

"  What  is  your  business,  sir  ?"  said  he. 

I  informed  him  that  I  was  a  carpenter  and  joiner. 
This  seemed  to  strike  him  favorably,  for  he  immedi- 
ately remarked — 

"  I  am  going  to  build  me  a  house ;  in  fact  the  tim- 
ber is  ready  for  framing,  and  if  you  wish  I  will  give 
you  employment — that  is  if  you  are  a  competent 
workman — and  I  will  give  you  the  best  wages  your 
work  commands." 

I  joyfully  accepted  his  kind  offer,  stating  that  if  my 
work  did  not  suit  him  he  had  his  remedy,  and  that 
was  to  discharge  me.  He  then  asked  me  to  take  a 
drink,  and  I  was  glad  enough  to  accept  his  invitation. 
The  next  day  I  commenced  work,  and  for  several 
weeks  I  abstained  from  liquor  although  I  often  visited 
my  employer's  establishment  where  it  was  kept  for 
sale. 

One  day,  a  young  man  whom  I  had  become  acquaint- 
ed with  invited  me  to  accompany  him  in  a  ride  to  Suf- 
field  in  the  state  of  Connecticut,  and  as  it  was  Sunday 
I  accepted  his  proposal.  When  we  arrived  there  we 
went  to  the  village  hotel,  and  drank  several  times  ;  and 
before  we  were  ready  to  return  home  were  considera- 
bly intoxicated. 

Having  commenced  drinking  in  this  way  I  could 
not  stop,  but  went  on  a  long  spree,  and  eventually 
found  myself  in  New  York  city.  I  remained  there 


216  "  AFO  OT  AND  AL  ONE. ' ' 

drinking  hard  for  two  weeks,  and  during  the  last  half 
of  this  time  I  do  not  think  I  took  any  thing  except- 
ing liquor  into  ray  stomach. 

When  my  money  was  all  spent  and  I  could  obtain 
no  more  rum,  I  started  to  walk  to  Springfield.  After 
traveling  some  distance  from  the  city,  I  felt  so  weak 
that  I  thought  I  could  go  no  further  without  food  and 
stepped  into  a  saloon  kept  by  a  woman ;  during  my 
walk  I  had  found  a  small  scrip  in  my  pocket  which  I 
lay  down  on  the  counter,  asking  her  to  give  me  the 
worth  of  it  in  gin.  She  filled  a  glass  about  two-thirds 
full  and  passed  it  to  me.  My  hands  trembled  so  that 
I  had  hard  work  to  raise  it  to  my  parched  lips. 

After  pouring  down  the  burning  fluid  I  told  her  of 
my  situation,  and  asked  her  to  be  kind  enough  to  give 
me  a  crust  of  bread  or  any  thing  she  chose  to  keep  me 
from  starving.  To  my  dying  day  I  never  shall  forget 
the  look  she  gave  me.  She  put  all  the  savage  dignity 
she  could  muster  into  her  repulsive  countenance,  and 
said  in  a  shrill  voice — 

"  We  don't  keep  nor  feed  beggars  here,  sir." 

I  left  her  saloon  without  further  delay  and  have 
never  seen  her  since.  I  have  been  before  the  public 
in  that  town  and  spoken  three  times,  and  have  always 
mentioned  the  circumstance  and  have  told  them  that  I 
thanked  God  I  was  no  beggar  now,  and  that  1  fully  real- 
ized how  merciful  the  Lord  had  been  to  me  in  saving  me 
from  suffering  and  want— from  the  dismal  road  of  intern 
perance  and  beggary.  How  often  I  hear  people  say- 
ing, "  I  wish  I  was  situated  like  so  and  so ;"  or,  "If 
I  had  this  or  that  how  happy  I  should  feel,"  when,  at 


IN  THE  DITCH.  217 

the  same  time,  they  are  surrounded  by  all  the  comforts 
of  a  happy  home — all  that  should  make  life  desirable 
— food  to  eat — clothes  to  wear — a  bed  to  lie  upon,  and 
plenty  of  kind  friends  to  cheer  them  and  make  the 
sunlight  brighter  as  they  journey  along.  Could  they 
be  placed  in  circumstances  such  as  I  and  many  a  poor 
fellow  have  been  in,  methinks  they  would  value  the 
pleasant  home  they  have  and  thank  the  Lord  that  it  is 
as  well  with  them  as  it  is. 

It  was  with  a  heavy,  sinking  heart  that  I  left  the 
abode  of  the  pitiless  woman  who  had  refused  to  give 
me  even  a  crust  of  bread,  and  trudged  along  through 
the  deep  mud,  not  knowing  what  I  should  do,  or  what 
was  to  befall  me.  I  continued  walking  until  I  could 
scarcely  see  the  road ;  soon  it  began  to  rain,  and  the 
darkness  to  increase,  and  while  groping  my  way  along 
I  fell  from  off  a  bridge  into  a  ditch,  and  landed  in  the 
mud  and  water  some  feet  down  from  the  level  of  the 
road.  I  managed  to  gain  the  bank  and  got  into  the 
road  again,  but  my  clothing  was  completely  saturated. 
I  must  have  been  a  pitiable  object  to  behold  but  I  was 
thankful  that  no  bones  were  broken. 

Joy  nearly  overcome  me  when  I  observed  in  the  dis- 
tance ahead  a  light,  and  I  hastened  towards  it  praying 
that  there  I  might  find  some  kind  soul  who  would  take 
pity  on  my  forlorn  condition.  When  I  reached  what 
I  fondly  hoped  would  be  a  haven  of  rest  to  me,  for  a 
short  time  at  least,  I  found  it  was  a  wayside  oyster 
saloon,  kept  by  an  old  lady.  The  appearance  I  pre- 
sented was  not  calculated  to  impress  her  very  favora- 
bly in  my  behalf.  I  went  up  to  her  however,  for  my 
10 


218       A  KIND  OLD  LADY— HER  VAGABOND  SON. 

case  was  desperate,  and  stated  my  wants  as  well  as 
I  could  in  my  excited  state.  She  seemed  to  take  pity 
on  me,  and  offered  me  a  glass  of  whisky  as  she  saw  I 
needed  it  badly,  and  I  drank  it  eagerly.  The  kind  old 
lady  then  made  me  seat  myself  and  gave  me  a  gener- 
ous bowl  of  warm  oysters  and  said — 

"  Eat  them  my  poor  boy,  they  will  do  you  good ; 
you  look  hungry  and  sick." 

She  then  sat  down  by  my  side,  and  said  she — 

"  I  have  a  poor  boy  roaming  about  this  wide  world, 
God  knows  where,  or  whether  he  be  dead  or  alive. 
lie  looks  like  you,  too,  dear  soul,  and  loves  drink  too 
much.  He  often  comes  home  to  me  hungry  and  in  rags. 
God  help  him  and  strengthen  him  to  do  better,  that 
he  may  return  to  me  sober  and  a  changed  man,  to 
close  my  eyes  when  I  die.  I  cannot  sleep  of  nights 
at  times  thinking  he  may  be  wanting  a  place  to  lay 
his  head.  Don't  your  good  old  mother  worry  about 
you,  think  you  ?" 

Her  kindness  and  the  mention  of  my  mother 
brought  the  tears  to  my  eyes  and  made  me  realize  how 
wretched  I  was,  and  how  wrong  it  was  to  do  as  I  had 
been  doing.  I  had  a  good  cry  with  that  dear  old  char- 
itable lady.  When  I  told  her  I  had  no  place  to  rest 
that  night,  she  said  she  had  but  one  bed  in  her  house, 
and  I  rose  to  depart,  not  wishing  to  trouble  her  too 
much.  She  followed  me  to  the  door  and,  slipping  a 
few  shillings  into  my  hand,  told  me  that  there  was  a 
boarding-house  across  the  street  where  she  thought  I 
could  be  accommodated ;  but  she  first  made  me  return, 
and  brushed  the  mud  from  my  clothing. 


A  NIGHT  ON  THE  RAILROAD  TRACK.  219 

With  a  warm  grasp  of  the  hand  and  many  thanks 
tor  the  kindness  she  had  shown  me  I  launched  out  in- 
fo the  darkness  and  made  my  way  towards  the  board- 
ing-house, thinking  of  the  great  contrast  between  the 
woman  I  had  just  left  and  the  one  who  had  refused 
me  a  crust  of  bread.  I  felt  encouraged  from  know- 
ing that  there  was  some  charity  left  in  the  world. 
With  much  difficulty  I  found  the  boarding-house,  but 
they  had  no  vacant  room  in  the  place  and  could  not 
keep  me.  I  had  nothing  to  do  but  journey  on  my 
way. 

I  soon  came  to  a  large  iron-works  and  entered  the 
office.  Although  it  was  late,  in  fact  near  to  midnight, 
the  clerks  were  still  waiting.  On  my  entrance  they 
cast  a  look  of  surprise  at  me,  for  the  lady  had  not  suc- 
ceeded in  removing  all  the  stains  of  the  ditch  from  my 
clothing ;  indeed  my  personal  appearance  was  not  cal- 
culated to  introduce  me  favorably.  However,  I  stated 
to  them  how  unfortunately  I  was  situated  and  offered 
to  sell  my  undercoat  to  them  for  live  dollars.  It  was~ 
one  I  had  purchased  in  Worcester  and  was  worth  about 
twenty  dollars.  The  head  book-keeper  after  examin- 
ing it  said  he  would  take  it,  and  handed  me  the 
money. 

I  procured  something  to  eat  and  then  started  on  the 
railroad  track,  intending  to  walk  back  to  New  York. 
While  traveling  on  the  track  I  came  to  a  bridge  and 
was  obliged  to  grope  my  way  along  slowly.  The  rain 
had  subsided,  but  it  was  still  quite  dark.  Just  as  I 
had  reached  the  center  of  the  bridge  I  heard  to  my 
horror  a  train  coming  in  my  rear,  and  on  looking 


220          ON  THE  BRIDGE— FEARFUL  ADVENTURE. 

around  saw — oh  God  !  that  it  was  on  the  same  track 
that  I  was.  Heavens !  thought  I,  this  is  the  last  of 
Dutcher.  I  saw  almost  certain  death  approaching,  yet 
prayed  for  escape,  although  I  had  often  meditated  self- 
murder.  All  the  dreadful  past  rushed  with  lightning 
speed  through  my  brain— what  I  might  have  been  and 
what  I  was — what  a  death,  to  be  mangled  into  an  un- 
recognizable mass  of  humanity,  perhaps  never  to  be 
seen  again  but  thrown  into  the  boiling  torrent  below. 
Ten  thousand  thoughts  came  to  my  mind  ;  dear  friends 
passed  in  review  before  my  eyes  in  a  few  fleeting  sec- 
onds. 

But  the  time  for  action  had  arrived;  the  bright 
Hash  of  the  reflector  revealed  my  form  to  the  engineer 
who  whistled  "down  brakes."  To  drop  between  the  tim- 
bers was  perhaps  death  by  drowning ;  but  there  was  a 
chance  for  life,  and  none  where  I  stood.  I  stooped  to 
make  the  awful  plunge,  and  there — a  Godsend  to  de- 
liver me — I  saw  an  iron  rod  beneath  the  timbers. 
Quick  as  thought  I  lowered  myself  by  the  supports, 
grasped  the  rod,  and  swung  off  over  the  dark  waters 
just  as  the  flashing,  roaring  engine  with  its  long  train 
swept  above  me.  The  noise  was  deafening,  and  I 
thought  I  should  have  to  let  go  my  hold  before  it  passed  ; 
but  the  merciful  Providence  that  had  watched  over 
me  for  so  many  years  gave  me  the  strength  to  hold  on 
and  to  clamber  up  again  on  the  timbers,  where  I  lay 
for  a  long  time  panting  for  breath. 

That  was  a  very  narrow  escape  from  death,  and  as  I 
pen  these  lines  a  shudder  runs  through  me,  and  in  my 
imagination  I  am  again  hanging  for  life  to  that  bar 


A  NEW  START  FOR  SPRINGFIELD.  221 

of  iron,  arid  cringing  from  the  fiery  monster  which 
thunders  over  my  head.  Often  since  my  redemption 
1  have  dreamed  over  that  awful  situation,  and  started 
from  my  sleep  with  the  cold  perspiration  standing  in 
big  drops  upon  my  forehead. 

After  a  long  and  dreary  walk  I  reached  the  city, 
and  after  taking  several  drinks  to  straighten  me  up, 
started  on  the  train  for  Springfield.  The  money  I 
obtained  for  my  coat  enabled  me  to  pay  my  fare. 


CHAPTEK  XXVI. 

reaching  Springfield  I  obtained  some  more 
money  and  started  out  drinking  again.  At 
nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  I  entered  a  saloon 
kept  by  some  colored  men,  where  they  played 
billiards  and  cards.  I  have  a  faint  recollection  of  seat- 
ing myself  to  play  a  game  of  cards  with  some  one ; 
the  next  time  I  came  to  know  myself  or  where  I  was, 
I  found  that  I  was  in  bed  and  that  several  men  and 
women  were  standing  around  the  room.  There  was 
also  a  doctor  who  was  seated  at  the  bedside.  They 
told  me  I  had  been  a  raving  maniac  for  three  days  and 
nights.  I  had  suffered  all  the  horrors  of  delirium  tre- 
mens. 

The  terrible  objects  and  frightful  scenes  which 
passed  before  my  shattered  vision  will  never  be  effaced 
from  my  memory.  God  grant  that  I  may  never  have 
to  pass  through  such  a  fearful  ordeal  again.  There  is 
probably  no  pen  that  can  portray  anything  approach- 
ing the  agonies  of  a  person  who  has  delirium  tremens. 
This  side  of  the  grave,  man  can  suffer  nothing  to  com- 
pare with  it.  The  soul  seems  to  leave  the  body  and 

222 


THE  HORRORS  OF  DELIRIUM  TREMENS.  223 

wander  alternately  in  Heaven  and  hell— principally  in 
the  latter  place ;  but  at  times  it  has  glimpses  of  the 
former,  making  the  agony  more  excruciating. 

At  one  time  I  would  imagine  myself  to  be  in  a 
beautiful  palace,  the  walls  hung  with  the  most  splendid 
tapestry ;  fragrant  perfumes  filled  the  air,  while  soft 
sweet  music  lulled  my  senses  into  a  half  repose.  I 
was  in  no  pain,  and  would  gladly  have  remained  in 
that  state  of  ecstasy  forever  Petite,  fairy  forms  with 
gossamer  wings,  dressed  in  white,  came  dancing,  flit- 
ting through  the  air.  They  were  beautiful  to  behold, 
and  seemed  bent  on  my  service,  trying  to  amuse  me 
and  drive  ill  thoughts  away.  But  almost  in  an  instant 
the  scene  would  change ;  the  beautiful  colors  would 
turn  to  blackness,  the  sweet  music  to  horrible  wails 
and  groans,  and  the  fairy  forms  enlarge  and  trans- 
form into  the  most  hideous  monsters,  with  blood-red, 
glaring  eyes,  and  gnashing  teeth.  Some  would 
approach  me,  and  I  would  flee,  only  to  rush  into  the 
horrible  embrace  of  others,  who  with  fiendish  howls 
and  laughter  would  bury  their  dreadful  claws  in  my 
quivering  flesh,  tearing  me  to  the  vitals.  Oh,  what 
anguish  was  concentrated  in  that  terrible  conflict.  I 
fought  desperately  to  drive  them  away,  and  shrieked 
wildly  for  help,  in  my  great  suffering. 

Then  in  an  instant  they  would  disappear,  and  I  was 
walking  through  verdant  fields  where  cool  shades 
invited  me  to  repose,  and  sparkling  rivulets  glided  and 
dashed  alternately  over  smooth  white  sand  and  rocky 
falls.  I  threw  myself  beneath  a  tiny  stream  falling 
from  a  moss-grown  rock,  thinking  to  quench  my  great 


224:  THE  HORRORS  OF  DELIRIUM  TREMENS. 

thirst  and  cool  my  fevered  body  ;  but  before  I  could 
drink,  a  peal  of  ten  thousand  thunders  rent  the  air, 
and  the  stream  of  water  became  a  hissing  serpent, 
whose  fetid  breath  came  hot  into  my  face.  I  sprang 
backwards,  and  discovered  that  I  was  surrounded  by  the 
most  horrible  shapes,  serpents  and  lizards,  dragons,  and 
animals  of  the  most  hideous  appearance,  driven  on  by 
iiends  in  human  shape,  who  lashed  them  towards  me 
with  scourges  of  fire.  Turn  which  ever  way  I  would, 
the  same  fiendish  crew  would  greet  me  with  taunting 
laughter.  Cold,  slimy  serpents  came  dragging  them- 
selves from  the  rocks,  and  twined  themselves  about 
me ;  my  brain  seemed  turned  to  molten  lead,  my  heart 
to  be  bursting ;  when  it  seemed  that  I  could  endure 
these  tortues  no  longer,  everything  which  had  so  tor- 
mented me  disappeared  as  quickly  as  it  had  come. 

Then  I  seemed  to  lay  panting  and  exhausted  in  a 
cool  grotto  at  the  entrance  of  which  were  festoons  of 
rich  purple  grapes  in  great  profusion,  nestling  among 
the  green  leaves.  I  longed  to  eat  some  of  the  delicious 
clusters,  but  tried  in  vain  to  raise  myself  to  do  so  ;  my 
muscles  refused  their  office,  and  I  lay  as  if  carved  from 
granite  with  my  soul  imprisoned  in  the  solid  rock. 
How  long  I  suffered  while  in  this  state  I  know  not, 
but  it  seemed  as  years  of  anguish.  I  finally  realized 
that  I  was  able  to  move  again  ;  my  jaws  relaxed  their 
lividness,  and  I  seemed  to  crawl  along  towards  the 
mouth  of  the  grotto,  to  endeavor  to  pluck  some  of  the 
cooling  grapes,  for  I  was  suffering  greatly  from  thirst. 
I  found  that  I  could  not  stand,  and  that  the  clusters 
were  beyond  my  reach.  I  grasped  the  flinty,  ragged 


THE  HORUOItS  OF  DELIRIUM  TBEMENS.  225 

rocks,  and  strove  to  clamber  up  to  the  vine ;  but  just 
as  I  thought  I  had  them  in  my  grasp  my  hold  on  the 
rock  gave  way,  and  I  fell  torn  and  bleeding  to  the 
stones  below.  Time  after  time  I  endeavored  to  reach 
them  and  at  last  succeeded  in  grasping  the  vine,  when 
it  turned  into  a  writhing  serpent  and  coiled  itself  about 
me,  and  we  rolled  down  the  rocks  together,  as  my 
bones  crushed  beneath  its  tightening  folds. 

Then,  methought,  a  huge-winged  demon  swooped 
down  from  the  black  heavens  and  grasped  us  both,  and 
flying  through  the  air,  escorted  by  others  laughing  and 
howling,  suddenly  dropped  us  into  a  deep  chasm. 
Down,  down  we  went,  the  serpent  changing  into  a  laugh- 
ing, mocking  satyr,  who  seemed  to  be  taking  me  to 
untried  tortures.  Far  up,  at  the  mouth  of  the  pit,  I 
saw  an  angelic  form,  weeping,  and  beckoning  me  to 
come  to  her ;  but  I  was  in  strong  fetters,  and  dared 
not  struggle  for  fear  I  should  drop.  We  seemed  to 
descend  with  great  velocity,  and  I  soon  beheld  the 
bottom  of  the  pit,  which  was  covered  with  dark  water 
full  of  snakes  and  reptiles,  while  around  the  sides  stood 
devils  and  fiends  pointing  their  bony  fingers  at  me  and 
filling  the  air  with  howls  of  exultation. 

Suddenly  I  was  plunged  into  the  slimy  water,  but 
in  place  of  cooling  me  it  seemed  like  molten  iron, 
scorching  the  flesh  from  my  bones.  As  I  rose  to  the 
surface  I  seemed  to  float  around  it,  thereby  obtaining 
a  view  of  all  the  horrors  of  the  place.  All  at  once  the 
rock  opened  at  one  side  of  the  infernal  lake,  and  a  wo- 
man emerged  from  the  dark  cavern.  She  had  a  most 
fiendish  face,  and  her  hair  was  composed  of  lone1,  slen- 


A  UEBT  OF  GRATITUDE. 

der  serpents  which  writhed  about  her  shoulders ;  her 
eyes  seemed  like  balls  of  fire,  and  as  if  ready  to  burst 
from  their  sockets.  She  stole  softly  towards  me.  I 
tried  to  shrink  away,  but  the  attendant  demons  held 
me  fast,  and  she  soon  stood  bending  over  me,  so  near 
that  I  could  feel  her  hot  breath  in  my  face.  Then  she 
laughed  in  a  horrible  manner,  while  the  fiends  set  up 
an  awful  howl,  and  commenced  a  dreadful  conflict 
among  themselves,  during  which  the  woman  was  torn 
to  pieces  and  partly  devoured  before  my  eyes.  Then 
all  was  darkness,  and  I  saw  them  no  more. 

These  are  a  few  of  the  many  horrible  imaginary 
scenes  that  I  passed  through  while  suffering  from  de- 
lirium tremens  as  well  as,  I  can  describe  them  in  words. 
After  I  became  rational  I  was  so  weak  and  feeble  that 
at  times  I  would  think  I  was  dying ;  my  breath  would 
seem  to  leave  me,  and  a  sinking  feeling,  indescribable, 
would  come  over  me,  and  1  would  be  unconscious  for  a 
time.  But  through  kind  treatment  I  improved,  and 
in  two  weeks  time  I  was  able  to  walk  about.  I  must 
here  acknowledge  my  gratitude  to  Mr.  Ezra  S.  Stiles, 
at  whose  house  I  was  stopping,  for  his  great  kindness 
during  that  period  of  my  life,  and  also  his  good 
\\  ile  who  could  not  have  treated  me  better  had  I  been 
her  own  son.  Their  names  will  ever  be  endeared  to 
me  by  the  strongest  ties  of  friendship,  and  I  hope  some 
day  to  be  able  to  pay,  in  a  degree,  the  deep  debt  of  grat- 
itude that  I  owe  them.  Mr.  Stiles  is  now  a  resident 
of  Bridgeport,  Conn. 

After  such  a  drain  on  my  physical  and  mental  pow- 
ers I  could  not  think  of  doing  heavy  work,  and  I  took 


GREAT  SUCCESS  AS  A  BOOK  AGENT.  227 

an  agency  for  selling  books.  I  succeeded  beyond  my 
expectations,  and  had  it  not  been  for  rum  should  have 
made  a  large  amount  of  money. 

In  the  midst  of  my  prosperity,  while  traveling  in 
Massachusetts  I  met  a  young  man  of  my  own  age. 
After  a  somewhat  lengthy  conversation  in  which  our 
views  on  various  subjects  coincided — both  of  us  hav- 
ing had  some  sad  experiences  in  the  army — we  seemed 
to  glide  swiftly  into  friendship.  Though  both  of  us 
had  been  addicted  to  drinking  and  suffered  greatly 
thereby,  we  forgot  all  our  bitter  experiences  of  the  past, 
and  took  a  drink  to  cement  our  newly-formed  friend- 
ship. This  was  enough  to  kindle  the  flame  in  both 
our  breasts,  for  he  had  also  been  struggling  against  his 
worst  enemy. 

We  could  not  remain  in  the  place,  as  his  people  lived 
there,  and  rum  had  not  succeeded  in  killing  his  respect 
for  his  family.  We  started  on  a  spree  and  visited  sev- 
eral towns  in  Worcester  county — Fitchburg  among 
the  number — and  finally  went  to  Boston.  There  we 
became  separated  in  some  unaccountable  manner,  and 
the  next  thing  I  remember  I  was  in  Albany,  at  a  hotel, 
in  bed  with  my  boots  on.  I  dressed  myself  and  went 
to  the  bar  to  drink,  for  my  desire  for  liquor  was  terri- 
ble. I  drank  all  day,  and  at  night  started  for  Worces- 
ter where  I  arrived,  and  having  some  money  left,  con- 
tinued drinking. 

Leaving  Worcester  1  went  to  the  village  of  Fitch- 
burg,  where  I  again  had  an  attack  of  the  tremens  which 
lasted  me  about  two  days.  I  suffered  all  that  mortal 
man  could  and  live.  When  I  was  able  to  walk  about 


228  A  NIGHT  IN  A  SWAMP 

I  tried  hard  to  control  my  appetite,  but  the  temptation 
to  drink  was  strong ;  my  mind  was  so  shattered  that  I 
had  but  little  strength  to  resist,  and  I  again  fell. 

During  my  wanderings  I  reached  New  York  city, 
and  before  a  week  was  penniless.  What  to  do  I  did 
not  know,  but  made  up  my  mind  to  start  out  afoot, 
either  to  die  on  the  way  or  reach  some  place  where  I 
could  obtain  employment.  When  night  came  I  lay 
down  by  the  side  of  a  fence,  but  no  sleep  could  I  get. 
My  thoughts  were  as  follows — What  a  poor  wretch  I 
am  ;  no  one  to  care  for  me ;  every  man's  hand  raised 
against  me ;  goaded  by  this  desire  for  drink  what  will 
be  the  end  ?  I  am  sure  I  shall  never  be  any  better,  I 
have  tried  so  often  to  no  purpose.  My  good  reso- 
lutions are  as  writing  in  the  sand,  and  what  is  the 
use  in  my  living  any  longer  such  a  miserable  life, 
being  of  no  benefit  to  any  one  and  an  evil  to  my- 
self. I  had  much  better  be  dead ;  then  I  shall  trouble 
no  one. 

With  reflections  like  these  I  made  my  way  over  the 
fence  and  across  a  field,  and  came  to  a  swamp.  Pick- 
ing my  way  through  the  bushes  I  discovered  a  large 
tree  with  projecting  roots,  and  I  once  more  lay  down, 
finding  a  comfortable  place  between  the  roots  ;  but  I 
did  not  sleep.  I  could  hear  the  frogs  and  lizards  mak- 
ing their  peculiar  noises,  while  near  by  a  whip-poor- 
will  chanted  his  midnight  serenade.  Out  in  the  adja- 
cent swamp  I  could  hear  the  shrill  cry  of  the  loons.  I 
wished  myself  a  loon,  frog,  or  anything  but  what  I 
was. 

Getting  up  from  where  I  lay  I  followed  in  the  di- 


TEMPTED  TO  SLICIDE. 

reetion  of  some  water  which  I  heard  dashing  over  the 
falls.  The  thought  occurred  to  me  that  I  would  drown 
myself.  On  reaching  the  falls  I  fully  determined  to 
shuffle  off  this  mortal  coil.  I  thought  to  myself — No 
one  will  ever  know  who  I  am  even  if  I  am  found.  Moth- 
er will  never  know  what  has  become  of  me,  and  I  shall 
be  free  from  all  my  sorrows — at  least  those  that  pertain 
to  this  world. 

I  never  was  more  intent  on  carrying  out  any  project 
than  at  that  time.  I  went  to  the  edge  of  the  precipice 
and  it  looked  as  though  it  would  be  a  favorable  spot 
for  my  purpose,  for  I  could  hear  the  water  roar  below 
me  as  it  struck  on  the  rocks,  and  in  the  faint  starlight 
I  could  see  a  black  pool  at  the  foot  of  the  falls.  The 
king  of  all  evil  was  behind  me  urging  me  on,  suggest- 
ing— This  is  just  the  place  to  end  all  your  troubles; 
jump ;  don't  stop  to  think,  for  if  you  do  you  willjiot. 
But  my  good  angel  whispered  in  my  ear — Do  not  do 
it ;  for  if  you  do  you  will  awake  in  the  regions  of  the 
damned, 

A  shudder  passed  through  me  at  the  thought  of  the 
great  Hereafter  and  wrhat  would  be  my  condition  in 
the  unknown  world  that  I  was  about  to  rush  into,  un- 
prepared to  meet  the  Great  Judge,  and  unable  to  say 
that  I  had  ever  done  any  good  in  the  world  I  had  left. 

I  began  to  step  slowly  back  from  the  tempting  spot 
—tempting,  but  still  horrible  to  look  down  into  as  I  im- 
agined my  own  white,  dead  face  floating  on  its  dark 
crest.  The  thought  became  dreadful  to  contemplate ; 
I  turned  and  rushed  wildly  from  the  spot,  not  daring 
to  turn  my  head.  Tearing  through  the  bushes  as 


230  A  MEMORABLE  NIGHT. 

though  the  arch-fiend  was  in  pursuit,  I  did  not  stop 
until  I  was  panting  with  exertion  at  the  distance  of 
half-a-mile  from  the  scene  of  my  strong  temptation.  I 
then  fell  down  on  my  knees  in  the  grass,  and  poured 
forth  my  soul  in  thanks  to  God  for  my  deliverance 
from  such  a  death.  I  was  all  alone  ;  no  one  to  sympa- 
thize with  j  no  one  to  help  me  ;  in  a  dismal  swamp  at 
the  midnight  hour.  I  wrestled  in  prayer  with  Him 
who  truly  is  a  friend  to  the  friendless. 

That  night  I  shall  never  forget.  The  surrounding 
swamp,  the  tree  beneath  which  I  tried  to  sleep,  and, 
above  all,  the  dark  pool  and  water-fall,  are  photographed 
on  my  brain.  I  sometimes  dream  it  all  over  again, 
and  when  about  to  take  the  fatal  leap,  awaken  in  deep 
terror.  Finding  myself  safe  in  my  comfortable  bed 
I  am  lead  to  realize  the  goodness  of  God,  and  to  thank 
him  for  the  many  blessings  that  he  has  showered  upon 
my  unworthy  head. 

All  the  next  day  I  traveled  without  food,  but  when 
night  came  I  ventured  to  ask  an  Irishman  who  stood 
at  Ins  gate  for  something  to  eat. 

"  Sumthin'  to  ate,  is  it,  me  mon  ?"  said  he.  "  Sure 
an'  ye  shall,  'pon  my  soul ;  it  never  was  said  of  Teddy 
O'Neil  that  a  hungry  mon  passed  his  cabin  whin  he 
knew  it.  Hould  on  a  bit  till  I  spake  to  Biddy,  an' 
sate  yeself ;  sure,  yer're  looking  weary." 

I  sat  down  on  a  bench  by  his  humble  cot,  thinking- 
how  many  of  my  own  wealthy  countrymen  would  have 
turned  me  from  their  doors,  while  this  poor  son  of 
Erin  was  glad  to  divide  his  limited  store  with  the 
needy.  I  heard  his  cheery  voice  in  converse  with  Bid- 


A  MEAL  WITH  TEDDY  O'NEIL.  231 

dy,  and  was  soon  called  into  the  cabin  to  partake  of 
their  humble  but  welcome  fare. 

u  Now  me  mon,"  said  Teddy,  "  yees  can  just  ate  as 
much  as  ye  like  of  what  is  an  Irishman's  food — mate 
and  pertatees — and  welcum  to  yees." 

I  made  a  hearty  meal  and  began  my  thanks.  He 
stopped  me  with — 

"  None  o'  that ;  yees  welcum  and  that's  enuf ;  but  is 
it  drink  that  brought  ye  to  this?" 

"Yes,  it  is,"  said  I. 

"  Well,  I'm  sorry  for  yees ;  you  mustn't  take*  too 
much ;  but  take  a  glass  wid  me  before  yees  travel." 

That  night  I  slept  in  a  barn,  and  after  traveling  all 
the  next  day  I  came  to  a  small  village  tavern.  I  had 
no  money,  yet  I  made  up  my  mind  to  go  in  and  trust 
to  luck  to  get  something  to  eat  and  drink.  On  enter- 
ing I  saw  several  men  drinking  at  the  bar  ;  they  seemed 
to  be  rather  a  jovial  crowd,  and  considerably  under  the 
influence  of  liquor. 

Weak,  hungry,  and  faint,  I  made  my  way  to  the 
bench  that  ran  across  one  side  of  the  bar-room,  seated 
myself,  and  was  soon  in  a  deep  reverie,  thinkingth  at  I 
was  indeed  a  poor  wreck  of  humanity  doomed  to  a  life 
of  misery  and  wretchedness. 

While  pondering  on  my  condition,  one  of  the  men 
came  up  and  took  a  seat  by  my  side ;  slapping  me  on 
the  shoulder  with  his  brawny  hand,  which  made  me 
cringe,  he  said— 

"Well,  stranger,  which  way  are  you  traveling?" 

"  No  particular  place,  sir,"  replied  I. 

"  You  don't  look  very  well,"  said  he,  at  the  same 


232  THE  BENE  VOLENT  BLA  OK  SMITH. 

time  giving  me  another  slap  on  the  knee,  so  forcibly 
that  it  brought  me  to  my  feet.  "  You  are  a  tender 
chicken." 

I  informed  him  that  I  was  tender,  weak  and  hungry, 
dry,  tired  and  wretched,  without  one  cent  in  the  world, 
or  any  one  I  could  call  my  friend. 

"  Why,  stranger !  is  it  true  that  you  are  so  situa- 
ted ? "  said  he,  "  I'll  be  your  friend,  and  you  shan't 
suffer  as  long  as  I  have  got  a  cent ;"  and  he  brushed  a 
tear  from  his  eye  as  he  made  the  remark. 

H*e  had  a  noble  heart,  and  was  ready  to  open  it  to 
me  although  a  stranger  to  him.  Many  times  since 
my  reformation  have  I  thought  of  that  man,  and  if  I 
knew  he  wras  in  want  I  would  divide  my  last  crust 
with  him.  He  gave  me  a  good  meal  of  victuals  at 
the  hotel,  and  when  he  went  away  he  told  the  land- 
lord to  keep  me  over  night  and  not  to  take  a  cent 
from  me.  He  also  gave  me  five  dollars,  and  said — 

"  Now  I  do  not  want  you  ever  to  pay  this  back ; 
but  when  you  are  over  your  present  difficulties  and 
meet  a  man  situated  as  you  now  are  yourself,,  why, 
give  him  a  helping  hand,  and  by  so  doing  I  shall  be 
amply  repaid." 

This  man  lived  a  few  miles  from  the  hotel  and  was 
a  blacksmith,  and  if  he  is  a  sample  of  the  men  who 
follow  that  trade,  God  never  made  a  better  class. 

For  several  days  after  this  occurrence  I  traveled  on 
foot,  and  faint  and  weary  I  reached  a  small  village  in 
Western  Massachusetts,  where  I  found  work.  I  re- 
mained there  several  weeks,  and  then  went  to  Valatie, 
New  York,  and  worked  at  my  trade  for  a  time. 


MY  SOLEMN  PROMISE.  233 

After  giving  up  work  at  Yalatie,  I  started  to  visit 
my  parents  who  lived  in  the  town  of  Catskill,  near  the 
village  of  Leeds.  As  usual,  I  stopped  at  several 
places  and  drank  until  I  was  unable  to  go  farther,  and 
lying  down  by  the  roadside  I  fell  asleep.  While  there 
sleeping,  a  gentleman  by  the  name  of  Henry  Plank  came 
along,  took  me  into  his  carriage,  and  carried  me  home. 
By  the  time  we  arrived  there  the  effects  of  the  liquor 
had  subsided  and  I  was  nearly  sober. 

On  entering  the  house  I  first  saw  my  mother,  who 
sprang  to  meet  me,  but  sank  to  the  floor  overcome. 
My  father  and  sister  also  entered  the  room,  and  there 
was  a  new  rendering  of  the  Prodigal  Son,  although 
my  case  was  not  parallel  with  his ;  I  had  not  spent 
my  portion  for  a  very  good  reason — I  had  not  any  to 
spend.  But  as  to  living  on  husks  and  sleeping  on 
straw  my  experience  somewhat  resembled  his. 

The  next  day  my  mother  told  me  how  much  she 
had  suffered  through  rum,  and  how  many  sorrowful 
nights  and  days  she  had  passed  on  my  account.  She 
pointed  me  to  the  grave  of  my  dead  brother,  and  told 
me  how  happy  she  was  when,  we  were  all  small  child- 
ren, although  my  father  drank  at  the  time.  Then 
looking  me  in  the  face,  a  silent  tear  stealing  down  her 
withered  cheek,  she  asked  me  if  I  wouldn't  promise 
her  to  drink  no  more  ;  that  promise  would  smooth  her 
way  to  the  grave.  Then  I  said  to  her — "  God 
helping  me,  not  another  glass  of  rum  shall  ever 
again  pass  my  lips"  Over  six  years  have  passed 
away,  and  I  leave  the  public  to  judge  whether  I  have 
faithfully  kept  that  promise. 


234  RESOLVE  TO  TELL  MY  EXPERIENCES. 

After  some  days  of  rest,  my  brother-in-law  pro- 
posed to  employ  me  to  build  him  a  house,  which  kept 
me  busy  for  some  time.  When  the  house  was  finish- 
ed he  paid  me,  and  I  purchased  a  few  necessary  arti- 
cles of  clothing.  One  of  my  half-brothers,  who  had 
returned  from  California  a  few  weeks  previously,  gave 
me  some  gooct  advice,  which  strengthened  me  in  my 
newly-formed  resolutions. 

It  was  my  firm  determination  to  lead  a  temperate 
life  in  whatever  condition  I  might  be  placed ;  and  not 
only  to  lead  a  temperate  life,  but  to  go  out  into  the 
world  and  try  and  lead  other  suffering  ones  into  the 
paths  of  sobriety.  I  had  at  that  time  no  idea  of  ever 
becoming  a  Temperance  Lecturer;  but  having  had 
such  bitter  experiences,  I  felt  a  longing  in  my  heart 
to  tell  the  glad  news  that  I  had  been  enabled  to  keep 
my  promise  to  my  mother  for  such  a  length  of  time. 

With  about  three  dollars  in  my  pocket  I  started  out 
not  knowing  where  I  was  going,  and  determined  not 
to  inform  any  one  of  my  object.  I  went  to  Catskill, 
and  found  I  could  pass  a  rum-shop  without  going  in 
to  get  a  drink,  although  I  had  to  fight  hard  against 
my  appetite. 


CHAPTER  XXYH 

the  steamboat  came  along  I  took  pas- 
sage for  Albany,  and  from  there  I  made  my 
way  to  a  small  village  less  than  a  dozen  miles 
'from  Troy.  The  name  of  the  place  I  think 
was  Pittstown.  It  was  Saturday  night,  and  not  a  per- 
son in  the  place  had  I  ever  seen  before  as  far  as  I  knew. 
Oh,  how  lonely  I  felt.  I  did  not  know  any  temper- 
ance men  anywhere,  and  had  no  one  to  give  me  a  help- 
ing hand.  But  I  thought  that  the  Lord  would  perhaps 
open  the  way  for  me. 

I  found  out  the  residence  of  the  minister,  having 
made  up  my  mind  that  it  would  be  well  for  me  to  call 
on  him.  All  the  way  to  his  house  I  prayed  earnestly 
to  God  for  help  and  strength  to  lead  a  sober  life  and 
do  some  good  in  the  world. 

I  found  the  clergyman  at  home  and  he  invited  me 
into  his  house.  After  some  time  I  mustered  up  cour- 
age enough  to  tell  him  my  object  in  coming  to  the 
place.  After  hearing  my  story  he  asked  me  if  I  had 
ever  spoken  on  Temperance.  I  told  him  I  never  had, 
but  1  thought  I  could  tell  some  of  my  sad  experiences 

235 


236        DISCO  URA  GINO  AD  VICE  FROM  A  MINISTER. 

and  it  might  be  the  means  of  doing  good.  He  did  not 
seem  willing  to  give  me  an  opportunity,  but  said  I  had 
better  go  into  something  else,  for  it  would  be  hard  for 
me  to  get  along  and  keep  soul  and  body  together  in 
the  Temperance  caiibe. 

"  "Well  sir,"  I  replied,  "  that  may  be  good  advice, 
but  my  mind  is  fully  made  up,  and  if  I  starve  it  will 
be  fighting  rum ;  I  must  combat  King  Alcohol,  or  else 
I  may  yet  die  a  drunkard." 

He  said  my  cause  was  good,  but  he  could  not  allow 
me  to  speak  in  his  church.  He  invited  me  to  stop 
over  night  with  him,  but  no  sleep  came  to  my  eyes.  I 
lay  thinking — What  shall  I  do  and  where  shall  I  go  ? 
Will  the  Lord  put  it  in  the  heart  of  man  or  woman  to 
help  me  in  my  good  resolution? 

Sunday  was  a  stormy  day,  and  on  Monday  I  started 
on  my  travels.  About  two  miles  below  I  came  to  a 
small  village,  and  on  inquiring  learned  that  a  Methodist 
minister  lived  there.  I  called  on  him,  and  on  convers- 
ing with  him  found  that  he  was  a  noble-hearted  man  ; 
the  name  of  Rev.  Mr.  Creag  will  never  fade  from  my 
memory.  He  was  lame  at  the  time  and  could  not 
walk  about,  but  when  I  told  him  how  much  I  had  suf- 
fered through  rum,  his  great  heart  was  opened,  and  he 
gave  me  to  understand  that  he  would  help  me  to  the 
extent  of  his  ability.  He  informed  me  that  there  was 
to  be  a  temperance  meeting  that  evening  about  two 
miles  from  there,  and  he  would  arrange  it  so  that  I 
could  speak  after  the  regular  address,  which  was  to  be 
given  by  a  minister  who  was  very  much  interested  in 
the  cause. 


MY  FIRST  TALK  AT  A  TEMPERANCE  MEETING.    237 

That  evening  I  went  to  the  meeting.  After  the 
clergyman  had  spoken  about  an  hour  he  informed  the 
audience  that  there  was  a  stranger  present  who  would 
like  to  say  a  few  words,  and  then  introduced  me  to  the 
people.  How  I  got  to  my  feet  I  cannot  tell,  but  I  man- 
aged somehow  to  stand  up ;  my  knees  trembled,  and 
the  perspiration  stood  in  beads  on  my  forehead.  A 
weakness  came  over  me  and  my  brain  reeled,  for  it  was 
my  first  attempt  to  speak  on  Temperance.  In  a  very 
embarrassed  manner  I  told  them  what  a  life  I  had  led 
and  what  my  determination  was.  I  never  have  had 
the  pleasure  of  knowing  what  impression  I  made  on 
the  audience,  but  on  taking  a  collection  it  footed  up  to 
about  two  dollars.  After  the  meeting  several  came 
up,  and,  grasping  me  by  the  hand,  bid  me  God  speed 
in  my  good  resolution. 

The  next  morning  I  walked  to  the  city  of  Troy  and 
took  the  cars  for  Stockport,  where  I  had  an  uncle  then 
living.  There  I  obtained  the  privilege  of  speaking  in 
a  school-house,  and  the  people  seemed  very  much  in- 
terested in  my  remarks.  I  obtained  twenty-seven 
names  to  the  pledge  and  a  collection  of  seventy-five 
cents.  From  there  I  went  to  Stuyvesant  Falls  and 
spoke,  obtaining  some  forty  names  to  the  pledge  and  a 
dollar  i:i  money. 

Returning  to  Stockport  I  spoke  again,  and  obtained 
more  signers.  I  continued  holding  meetings  in  the 
different  villages  with  good  success  as  far  as  obtaining 
signatures  to  the  pledge  went,  but  my  compensation 
was  so  small  that  I  was  obliged  to  walk  from  place  to  place 
— often  walking  ten  to  sixteen  miles  during  the  day  to 


238   "  THE  LABORER  IS  WORTHY  OF  HIS  HIRE." 

speak  the  same  evening  in  some  dingy  school  house. 
Sometimes  the  boys  would  gather  before  the  time  and 
fill  the  room  with  tobacco  smoke,  and  raise  Ned  gen- 
erally. I  spoke  nearly  all  winter  in  and  around  Colum- 
bia county.  Among  the  places  that  I  visited  were 
Chatham,  East  Chatham,  Chatham  Centre,  Niver  Vil- 
lage, Spencertown,  Ghent  and  many  others. 

At  one  place  a  man  who  had  been  a  hard  drinker 
for  many  years  came  up  and  signed  the  pledge.  It 
had  a  good  effect  on  the  audience,  and  I  obtained  sev- 
enty-five names  that  night  and  also  a  collection  of  five 
dollars  which  was  the  largest  I  had  ever  received  up 
to  that  time.  I  was  very  much  encouraged,  and  deter- 
mined to  persevere. 

On  one  occasion  an  old  man  arose  and  said — 

"  Now  Ladies  and  Gentlemen,  this  ere  young  man 
is  doin'  a  good  job,  and  he  can't  live  on  nothin'. 
S'pose  we  give  him  a  donation.  Now  friends,  go  down 
deep  in  yer  pockets/' 

He  was  a  rich  man,  and  I  began  to  think  I  should 
get  a  good  contribution.  When  the  boxes  were  passed 
the  old  gentleman  fumbled  in  his  pockets  and  after  a 
long  search  fished  out  three  cents  which  he  threw  into 
the  box,  exclaiming— 

"  The  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire." 

The  whole  amount  given  by  this  audience  was  about 
two  dollars  and  a  half.  It  was  then  about  the  middle 
of  winter  and  I  could  get  just  enough  to  keep  from 
actual  starvation,  but  I  did  not  feel  discouraged  in  the 
least.  I  fought  my  appetite  daily,  and  worked  on. 

One  of  the  coldest  days  we  had  that  winter— known 


"  COLD  MONDAY"— REV.  MR.  MEAD.  239 

by  many  as  "Cold  Monday" — I  had  an  appointment  to 
speak  at  a  place  about  seven  miles  from  Yalatie,  where 
I  was  then  stopping.  No  one  ventured  out  on  that 
day  excepting  on  urgent  business ;  but  I  made  up  my 
mind  to  go.  About  five  o'clock  I  started  on  foot. 
When  about  half-way  I  became  so  chilled- that  I  could 
go  no  further  without  warming.  Hushing  into  a  house 
I  told  them  I  was  freezing,  and  they  gave  me  a  chair 
by  the  fire.  When  I  had  warmed  I  again  started  on, 
after  thanking  the  family  for  their  kindness.  When  I 
reached  the  building  where  I  was  going  to  lecture  I 
found  no  fire.  On  going  to  the  minister's  house  he 
seemed  surprised  to  see  me,  and  informed  me  that  no 
one  would  venture  out  such  a  cold  night,  and  said  I 
had  better  stay  by  the  fire  with  him  and  not  think  any 
more  of  speaking  that  night.  He  inquired  how  much 
money  I  had,  and  on  learning  that  1  had  but  ten  cents 
in  the  world  he  put  his  hand  in  his  pocket  and  handed 
me  a  dollar  saying — 

"  Take  that ;  it  is  all  I  have ;  if  I  had  more  you 
should  have  it." 

I  refused  to  take  it,  but  he  insisted  and  I  accepted. 
This  man  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mead — one  of  the  noblest 
men  I  ever  met. 

After  I  had  got  warmed  I  told  him  I  must  return 
to  Yalatie.  He  urged  me  to  stay,  but  I  thanked 
him  for  his  hospitality  and  kindness,  and  walked 
through  the  piercing  cold  seven  miles  to  my  father's 
house. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


spring  arrived  I  returned  to  W  orces- 
ter,  and  made  a  visit  to  Mr.  John  B.  Gough. 
Not  finding  him  at  home  I  was  most  hospit- 
ably entertained  by  his  wife,  and  in  the 
morning  she  sent  her  carriage  with  me  into  the  city. 
Just  before  I  started  she  handed  me  an  envelope,  at 
the  same  time  saying  — 

"  There  is  something  to  help  you  along  :  Mr.  Gough 
is  not  at  home,  but  I  will  do  as  he  would  if  he  was 
here." 

On  arriving  at  Worcester,  I  stepped  into  a  store  and 
opened  the  envelope,  and  found  therein  twenty  dol- 
lars. It  was  a  Godsend,  for  I  was  completely  out  of 
money. 

I  was  acquainted  with  quite  a  number  of  people  in 
Worcester,  but  knew  no  temperance  men.  On  mak- 
ing inquiry,  I  found  that  Eev.  Samuel  Kelly,  a  good 
old  Methodist  Minister,  was  at  work  in  the  cause,  and 
to  his  house  I  directed  my  steps.  I  found  him  to  be  a 
good  man,  and  he  introduced  me  to  Mr.  William 
Mecorney,  a  noble,  self-sacrificing  man,  who  had  fought 

240 


JOIN  THE  SOyS  OF  TEMPERANCE.  211 


King  Alcohol  all  his  days,  and  was  then  doing  his 
best  to  defeat  him.  Mr.  M.  greeted  me  cordially, 
and  promised  that  he  would  do  all  he  could  to  aid  me  ; 
up  to  this  time  he  has  done  so  faithfully,  and  in  many 
ways.  He  proposed  me  as  a  member  of  the  Sons  of 
Temperance,  and  I  joined  the  order.  Never  shall  I 
forget  the  night  I  was  initiated  in  old  Rainbow  Divi- 
sion. What  a  thrill  went  through  me  as  they  gathered 
around  me,  and  called  me  brother.  Well,  thought  I, 
if  this  is  not  a  heaven  on  earth  it  comes  near  to  it.  It 
was  new  to  me,  and  everything  pertaining  to  the  order 
shone  in  my  eye  with  more  than  regal  splendor. 

I  spoke  that  evening  for  a  few  moments,  and  they 
were  so  well-pleased  that  they  wanted  me  soon  after- 
wards to  go  to  Boston  with  them  on  a  visit  to  the  Old 
Bay  State  Division.  About  sixty  of  us  went  down, 
and  I  was  one  of  the  speakers.  I  thought  it  was  a 
great  contrast  to  my  first  visit  to  Boston,  for  I  was 
then  on  a  regular  spree,  and,  as  before  stated,  awoke 
at  an  Albany  hotel,  in  bed  with  my  boots  on,  not 
knowing  how  I  came  there. 

Soon  afterwards,  some  of  the  temperance  men  of 
Worcester  proposedgto  get  me  up  a  meeting  in  Mechan- 
ic's Hall,  and  give  me  a  chance  to  speak  to  a  large  au- 
dience. The  lecture  was  advertised  for  Sunday  eve- 
ning, and  before  the  hour  of  meeting  the  hall  was  filled 
—  seats,  standing-room,  and  every  available  place  ;  and 
hundreds  went  away  unable  to  obtain  admission.  I 
never  had  stood  before  so  large  an  audience,  and  when 
I  saw  such  a  sea  of  faces  turned  towards  me  as  we  sat 
on  the  platform,  my  heart  beat  quick  and  loud,  while 
11 


242     LECTURE  AT  MECHANIC'S  HALL,   WORCESTER. 

my  courage  nearly  forsook  me.  I  kept  praying  to 
myself  that  I  might  have  Divine  assistance  to  carry 
me  through.  Rev.  Mr.  Tyler  presided,  and  after  pray- 
er introduced  me.  On  rising  to  speak  I  felt  a  chill 
run  through  me,  but  after  saying  a  few  words  I  felt 
more  at  home,  and  spoke  one  hour  and  a  half.  No  one 
left  the  hall  during  my  address,  and  the  clapping  of 
hands  gave  me  to  understand  that  the  people  were 
pleased. 

The  next  day  the  Spy,  and  the  Gazette,  gave  reports 
of  the  lecture,  complimenting  it,  probably,  more  than 
it  deserved.  I  would  here  insert  the  notices,  but  it 
would  border  too  much  on  egotism  were  I  to  do  so. 
Vanity  and  pride  I  hope  will  never  find  a  lodgment  in 
my  heart.  I  have  nothing  in  the  world  to  boast  of. 
All  I  am  and  all  I  ever  expect  to  be,  I  owe  to  the  cause 
I  advocate.  They  endeavored  to  take  a  collection  for 
me,  but  the  hall  was  so  crowded  that  it  was  found  im- 
possible to  get  through  it,  and  it  was  abandoned  after 
securing  about  thirty-five  dollars. 

Soon  after  this  meeting  I  began  to  receive  calls  to 
go  and  speak  in  different  places  in  the  vicinity  of  Wor- 
cester. Among  the  towns  to  which  I  was  invited  were 
West  Boylston,  Shrewsbury,  Northboro',  Sutton,  Mill- 
bury,  Cherry  Valley,  Oxford,  Webster,  Charlton,  South- 
bridge,  Brookfield,  Hubbardston,  Clinton,  Lancaster, 
Ashland,  Hopkinton,  Marlboro',  Hudson,  etc.  I  re- 
mained in  Massachusetts  and  Ehode  Island  during  the 
summer,  speaking  in  some  places  two  or  three  times. 
At  Woonsocket  and  Providence  I  found  friends.  Peter 
B.  Holmes  of  Woonsocket  and  Henry  Woodworth  of 


IN  THE  STATE  OF  MAINE.  243 

Providence  took  me  by  the  hand,  and  Droved  them- 
selves friends  both  by  words  and  deeds,  and  while  I 
live  they  will  be  cherished  in  my  memory  as  dear. and 
valued  friends. 

"When  winter  came  I  determined  to  go  to  Maine  and 
offer  my  services.  On  my  way  from  Worcester  to 
Boston  I  fell  in  with  Hon.  L.  M.  Pond,  who  was  then 
a  member  of  the  Legislature  from  Worcester.  He 
treated  me  very  cordially,  and  I  saw  that  he  was  a  no- 
ble man.  On  reaching  Boston  he  took  my  hand,  wished 
me  Godspeed  in  my  work,  and  expressed  the'  hope 
that  I  might  be  enabled  to  keep  my  pledge  and  do 
much  good  in  the  world.  As  he  was  about  to  leave 
me  he  slipped  something  into  my  hand,  and  told  me 
to  call  on  him  when  I  returned  from  Maine,  and  he 
would  help  me  more.  After  he  had  departed  I  looked 
at  the  little  roll,  and  found  to  my  surprise  that  he  had 
given  me  twenty-five  dollars.  On  my  return  he  gave 
me  a  check  for  one  hundred  dollars  more,  taking  my 
note  on  demand  which  he  has  never  yet  asked  me  to 
pay.  I  can  truly  say  that  Hon.  L.  W.  Pond  of  Wor- 
cester has  helped  me  more  than  any  other  living  man. 

On  my  arrival  at  Portland  I  found  Mr.  Rich  ready 
to  make  my  appointments  through  the  State,  and  I 
spent  some  time  there.  A  better,  nobler-hearted  class 
of  people  than  the  tall  sons  of  Maine  I  have  yet  to  find. 
During  my  tour  I  visited  Lewiston,  Bangor,  Belfast, 
Rockland,  Augusta,  and  a  large  number  of  other 
towns. 

At  Augusta  I  addressed  the  members  of  the  Legis- 
lature and  their  wives  at  the  State  House.  Rev.  D. 


AT  THE  8TA  TE  HO  USE- A  ' '  BIG ' '  A  UDIENGE. 

B.  Randall  had  made  the  arrangements  for  my  address 
to  the  Assembly,  and,  having  never  seen  me,  he  was 
somewhat  taken  by  surprise  at  finding  me  so  young  and 
such  a  small-sized  man. 

"  Why,"  said  he,  "  brother  Dutcher,  I  am  afraid  you 
will  make  a  failure;  such  a  little  fellow  as  you  are,  to 
go  before  such  big  men." 

He  was  a  very  tall  man,  and  had  to  look  down  while 
speaking  to  me. 

"  Well,"  I  replied,  "  what  there  is  of  me  is  hardy, 
and  you  must  recollect  that  it  is  not  always  the  largest 
horse  that  draws  the  heaviest  load." 

"  Now,"  said  he,  "  let  us  get  down  on  our  knees, 
and  I  will  pray  for  you." 

He  did  so,  and  on  rising  he  laid  his  hand  gently  on 
my  shoulder  and  said — 

"Now,  my  little  fellow,  I  hope  the  Lord  is  with  you. 
Do  your  best  to-night." 

The  State  House  was  full  to  over-flowing,  and  I 
spoke  just  two  hours.  When  I  got  through  Mr.  Ran- 
dall laid  his  hand  on  my  head  and  exclaimed — "You'll 
do !"  Many  gathered  around  me,  taking  me  by  the 
hand,  and  some  one  proposed  three  cheers,  which  was 
responded  to  with  hearty  good  will. 

At  Lewiston  the  crowd  was  so  immense  that  hund- 
reds were  unable  to  obtain  admission  to  the  hall  the 
second  evening  that  I  spoke. 

The  next  day  a  merchant  by  the  name  of  Barrow,  I 
think,  offered  me  seventy-five  dollars  to  speak  the  next 
night  and  give  the  merchants  a  chance  to  hear  me.  I 
consented  to  do  so,  and  he  immediately  threw  out  the 


XPEC  ULA  TIONS  A  2  LE  WIST  ON.  245 

notes,  made  the  announcement,  and  advertised  to  sell 
tickets.  This  fact  coining  to  the  ears  of  some  of  the 
temperance  men,  they  came  and  asked  me  to  decline 
speaking,  for  if  any  one  was  to  make  money  out  of  my 
lecture  it  should  be  the  temperance  men.  I  informed 
them  that  if  they  desired  it  I  would  see  the  gentleman 
who  had  engaged  me,  and  if  he  was  willing  to  give 
way  I  would  gladly  sacrifice  the  seventy-five  dollars 
and  not  speak,  although  I  needed  the  money  very 
much.  On  seeing  Mr.  D.  about  it  he  was  not  will- 
ing to  let  me  off,  but  finally  said  if  my  temperance 
friends  would  pay  him  for  all  the  expense  and  trouble 
he  had  had,  he  would  let  me  oft.  Mr.  Getchel  said  he 
would  do  so,  and  immediately  paid  the  money ;  I  did 
not  lecture  and,  of  course,  lost  the  seventy-five  dollars. 
The  temperance  men  then  told  me  that  they  would 
arrange  for  me  to  come  again  soon,  and  give  me  one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars  if  it  could  possibly  be  raised. 

After  a  few  weeks  I  went  back  to  Lewiston  and 
spoke  again,  but  it  proved  a  very  stormy  evening,  and 
the  receipts  were  small.  But  Mr.  Putnum,  one  of  the 
best  men  I  ever  met,  gave  me  sixteen  dollars  out  of 
his  own  pocket,  making  the  sum  in  all  about  thirty-five 
dollars.  I  had  a  pleasant  time  at  Mr.  Putnum's  house, 
and  left  with  many  kind  wishes  for  my  future  wel- 
fare. 

At  Bangor  I  spoke  two  nights  in  the  City  Hall ; 
both  meetings  were  presided  over  by  the  Mayor.  The 
second  evening  the  hall  was  crowded,  and  many  went 
away  unable  to  obtain  seats  or  standing  room.  The 
Mayor  congratulated  me,  and  I  felt  much  encouraged. 


24G  AT  BANG  OR  AND  WATERVILLE. 

The  people  were  not  satisfied,  as  many  had  been  una- 
ble to  hear  me,  and  it  was  arranged  that  I  should  speak 
in  Norumbega  Hall  and  charge  twenty-five  cents  for 
admission,  which  I  accordingly  did.  I  wish  to  express 
my  thanks  to  George  Vincent  for  his  hospitality,  and 
for  all  the  kindness  shown  me  by  him  and  his  wife. 
Long  may  he  live  to  do  good  in  the  great  cause  that 
we  both  love.  Mr".  Vincent  is  now  a  resident  of  Som- 
erville,  Mass. 

At  Waterville  I  met  the  noble  Joshua  Nye,  who  for 
more  than  thirty  years  has  been  a  hard  worker  in  the 
Temperance  cause  ;  giving  not  only  his  time  but  his 
money  ;  opening  his  house  to  Temperance  lecturers, 
and  striving  to  do  something  to  save  the  poor  victims 
of  strong  drink.  At  my  lecture  Mr.  Nye  distributed 
Temperance  papers  to  the  audience,  having  a  bundle 
of  them  under  his  arm,  one  of  which  he  gave  to  every 
person  who  came  in  during  the  meeting. 

After  my  address  they  invited  me  to  return  and 
speak  again.  I  accepted  the  invitation  and  met  Mr. 
Nye  a  second  time.  He  is  now  a  resident  of  Augusta. 

After  my  engagements  in  Maine  had  been  filled,  I 
was  invited  to  speak  in  some  towns  in  New  Hamp- 
shire. The  first  address  I  ever  made  in  this  state  was 
in  Brookline,  near  the  border  line  of  Massachusetts. 
Rev.  Geo.  Eaton,  a  Methodist  clergyman  wrote  to  Dr. 
Stowell  about  me ;  and  as  they  were  to  have  a  Tem- 
perance anniversary  I  was  invited  to  deliver  the  address. 
It  was  arranged  for  me  to  speak  in  a  grove  near  the 
town,  but  when  the  hour  arrived  it  began  to  rain,  and 
we  were  obliged  to  give  up  the  idea  of  holding  a  meet- 


AT  BROOKLINE,  N.  H.  247 

ing  in  the  open  air  and  repaired  to  the  church,  and  it 
was  filled  to  overflowing. 

I  had  a  glorious  time,  and  as  I  look  over  my  tem- 
perance field  for  the  last  six  years  I  cannot  think  of 
one  place  where  I  enjoyed  it  better  than  I  did  in 
Brookline.  A  bountiful  collation  was  furnished  by  the 
ladies  at  the  Town  Hall,  and  every  one  seemed  to  en- 
joy the  meeting  to  the  fullest  extent. 

Dr.  Stowell  placed  twenty-five  dollars  in  my  hand 
just  before  I  left,  and  when  I  seated  myself  in  the 
carriage  that  was  to  take  me  to  the  depot,  the  band 
struck  up  "Hail  Columbia,"  while  the  driver  held  the 
prancing  steeds.  After  the  music  ceased  they  gave 
me  three  rousing  cheers,  and  with  the  words,  "  God 
bless  you,"  from  a  hundred  lips,  I  left  them,  realizing 
what  a  blessed  work  it  was  to  be  engaged  in  the  Tem- 
perance cause  and  meet  such  warm-hearted  people. 
The  kindness  I  received  stimulated  me  to  renewed 
effort  in  the  cause,  and  left  such  an  impression 
on  my  heart  that  it  must  ever  remain  burning — I 
trust — with  renewed  zeal.  There  is  nothing  in  this 
world  that  will  bring  the  tear  from  my  eye  like  kind- 
ness from  any  source,  and  even  now,  as  I  think  of  that 
good  time  in  that  quiet  country  village  up  in  the  hills 
of  the  Old  Granite  State,  1  can  hardly  keep  back  the 
tears  ;  and  my  heart  swells  with  gratitude  to  those  kind 
friends  who  cheered  me  on  through  the  toilsome  path 
which  every  one  who  works  in  this  cause  must  travel. 

Rev.  Mr.  Eaton,  who  was  instrumental  in  introducing 
me  to  these  good  people,  once  preached  in  Brookline, 
and  is  now  at  Winchendon,  Mass.  Up  to  this  time  he 


248  REV.  GEORGE  EATON. 

has  been  a  kind  friend  to  me,  and  I  cherish  him  as  a 
brother ;  and  his  noble  wife  has  been  to  me  a  sister. 
God  bless  brother  George  Eaton  and  his  good  wife ! 
May  their  days  be  many,  and  may  the  choicest  bless- 
ings of  Heaven  be  showered  upon  them  to  lighten  np 
their  pathway  while  traveling  through  life's  journey 
here  below ;  and  may  they  at  last  be  transplanted  into 
the  green  fields,  by  the  side  of  the  river  that  flows  by 
the  throne  of  God.  My  heart  is  full ;  I  can  say  no 
more. 


CHAPTEK  XXIX. 

after  this  I  spoke  again  in  Mechanic's 
Hall  in  Worcester  and  then  received  an  invita- 
tion to  go  to  Providence.  While  lecturing  in 
that  vicinity  I  joined  the  Olive  Branch  Temple 
of  Honor,  and  the  brothers  greeted  me  so  warmly  that 
I  shall  ever  cherish  a  kind  regard  for  all  of  them,  and 
especially  for  Rev.  Henry  Woodworth.  During  my 
stay  in  Rhode  Island  I  lectured  several  times  in  Prov- 
idence ;  also  in  Pawtucket,  Phoenix,  Newport,  Cromp- 
ton,  Woonsocket,  and  other  places.  At  Newport  I 
met  Rev.  Charles  H.  Malcolm,  and  spoke  in  his  church. 
I  considered  him  a  noble  Christian,  a  polished  gentle- 
man and  a  worker  for  the  elevation  of  mankind,  with 
a  pitying  heart  for  all  who  are  the  victims  of  intemper- 
ance, or  suffering  in  any  way.  • 

About  this  time  I  received  an  invitation  to  speak  in 
New  York  and  some  of  the  towns  adjoining  the  me- 
tropolis. On  the  expiration  of  my  engagements  in 
New  York,  I  went  on  a  tour  up  the  Hudson,  speaking 
in  Saugerties,  Coxsackie,  Stuyvesant,  New  Baltimore 
and  Troy. 

11*  249 


250  IN  PENXS  YL  VANIA—  00V.   GEAR  Y. 

On  returning  to  New  York  I  was  induced  to  go  to 
Philadelphia,  and  on  my  arrival  was  engaged  to  lecture 
for  some  thirty  evenings  through  the  state.  The  Meth- 
odist Conference  was  in  session  at  Harrisburg,  and  my 
first  address  was  to  be  delivered  there.  On  reaching 
Harrisburg  I  made  my  way  to  the  State  House  to  see 
the  Governor,  Hon.  John  W.  Geary.  I  found  him  in 
his  private  room,  and  he  took  me  by  the  hand  and 
said — 

"  Mr.  Dutcher,  I  welcome  you  to  the  state  of  Penn- 
sylvania. We  need  your  services,  and  I  hope  much 
good  will  be  done  by  your  lectures  in  the  state.  I  dine 
at  one  o'clock,  and  I  would  be  happy  to  have  you  take 
dinner  with  me." 

I  could  do  no  more  than  to  accept  his  cordial  invita- 
tion, for  I  liked  him  from  the  first.  I  saw  that  he  was 
ji  polished  gentleman,  and  an  open-hearted  man.  On 
leaving  the  State  House  for  his  mansion  he  took  my 
arm  as  we  walked  along.  He  is  a  well-built,  tall,  no- 
ble-looking man,  and  I  had  to  look  up  to  talk  with  him. 
I  remarked— 

"  Governor,  this  is  quite  an  honor  to  walk  arm  in 
arm  with  you,  for  I  am  nothing  but  a  poor,  reformed 
man,  born  in  obscurity  and  poverty."  He  cut  me  short 
by  saying — 

"  Oh,  what  difference  does  that  make  ?  You  are  just 
as  good  as  I  am.  I  do  not  feel  my  position  at  all,  and 
we  are  all  free  and  equal.  I  am  nothing  but  a  servant 
to  the  people,  and  my  greatest  desire  is  to  do  good. 
When  I  was  elected  governor  of  this  state  I  made  up  my 
mind  to  do  right, whatever  might  come.  I  have  set  up  my 


SPEAK  BEFORE  THE  METHODIST  CONFERENCE.    251 

standard  and  on  it  I  have  inscribed  "Right ;"  and  when  a 
question  comes  before  me  I  look  at  both  sides  and  then 
decide  for  the  right."  What  a  world  this  would  be  if 
all  governors  would  do  the  same. 

On  reaching  his  house  he  gave  me  to  understand 
that  I  must  make  myself  at  home.  When  dinner  was 
announced  we  walked  into  the  dining-room  and  the 
Governor  and  myself  were  the  only  ones  at  the  table.  I 
enjoyed  the  meal  very  much.  After  we  had  satisfied 
the  inner  man  we  repaired  to  the  parlor,  where  he 
entertained  me  in  a  very  interesting  manner  by  con- 
versing on  the  temperance  cause  and  giving  me  his 
experience  while  in  the  army.  He  was  several  times 
wounded,  and  had  many  narrow  escapes,  and  said  that 
it  was  only  through  the  mercy  of  God  that  he  was 
spared.  He  has  since  united  with  the  Church,  and  is 
not  only  a  strong  temperance  man  but  a  devoted  Chris- 
tian. 

Bishop  Scott  was  presiding  at  the  Conference,  and 
lie  gave  me  a  chance  to  speak  before  the  Assembly  of 
Ministers.  In  the  afternoon,  announcement  was  made 
that  I  would  speak  in  the  Court-House,  and  when  eve- 
ning came  the  building  was  filled  with  clergymen  and 
citizens  of  Harrisburg.  Rev.  Mr.  Tasker  of  Philadel- 
phia presided.  He  is  a  man  well-known  for  his  liber- 
ality and  Christian  character.  After  my  address  he 
arose  and  said — 

"  Gentlemen,  I  have  been  highly  pleased  with  the 
address  that  I  have  heard  ;  Mr.  Butcher  ought  to  speak 
in  every  town  and  city  in  the  land.     Such  an  experi 
ence  as  his  will  reach  a  heart  of  stone,  and  I  believe  if 


252  AT  PHILADELPHIA. 

we  should  crown  him  with  laurels  it  would  be  no  more 
than  he  deserves,  and  it  would  not  make  him  proud ; 
I  think  he  would  still  be  the  same  humble  man." 

I  give  this  encomium  not  to  adulate  myself,  but 
to  show  what  were  the  feelings  of  this  good  man.' 
A  collection  was  taken  up  which  amounted  to  thirty- 
five  dollars,  after  which  the  audience  gave  three  hearty 
cheers.  Mr.  Tasker  then  announced  that  I  would  speak 
again  the  next  evening ;  which  I  did  to  a  full  house. 

From  Harrisburg  I  went  to  Reading  where  I  spoke 
two  evenings.  From  there  I  went  to  Wrightsville  and 
other  places  in  the  vicinity.  I  then  visited  Lancaster 
where  I  spoke  two  evenings.  Here  I  met  the  Hon. 
James  Black,  and  spent  a  pleasant  time  at  his  house. 
Many  proved  themselves  my  warm  friends  by  taking 
me  by  the  hand  and  bidding  me  God-speed  on  my 
glorious  mission.  I  remember  Lancaster  with  no 
small  degree  of  pleasure.  One  evening  I  spoke  before 
the  young  men  in  the  College  near  that  city,  and  then 
turned  my  face  towards  Philadelphia,  lecturing  along 
at  the  different  towns  on  the  route. 

On  my  arrival  at  Philadelphia,  I  found  they  had 
advertised  me  to  speak  there  in  a  large  hall,  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Eighth  and  Spring  Garden  streets,  I  think.  The 
tickets  of  admission  to  the  lecture  and  another  enter- 
tainment connected,  were  placed  at  fifty  cents; 
but  the  hall  was  crowded.  From  the  City  of  Broth- 
erly Love  I  started  on  my  return  to  the  East.  When 
we  had  got  well  under  way,  a  young  lady  came  pass- 
ing through  the  car,  and  when  she  came  to  where  I 
was  sitting  she  took  a  seat  by  my  side.  After  riding 


THE  UNFORTUNATE  YOUNG  LADY.  253 

about  fifteen  minutes,  she  looked  towards  me  and 
said — 

"  I  have  lost  my  pocket-book." 

This  announcement  rather  startled  me,  for  I  thought 
by  the  way  she  spoke  that  she  had  a  suspicion  I  had 
stolen  it.  On  my  inquiring  about  it,  she  stated  that 
she  had  lost  it  going  from  the  Northern  Pennsylvania 
Depot  to  the  Kensington,  and  that  it  contained  all  the 
money  she  had.  She  said  she  could  not  have  gone  to 
New  York  had  not  the  superintendent  given  her  a 
pass. 

My  sympathy  was  immediately  aroused  in  her  be- 
half. Very  soon  she  took  from  her  traveling-bag  a 
book,  and  begun  to  read  it.  I  had  a  curiosity  to  seo 
what  the  title  was,  and  she  held  it  so  I  could  plainly 
do  so.  I  observed  that  it  was  the  "Life  of  Jesus."  This 
gave  me  a  more  favorable  impression  still.  I  said  to 
her — 

"  That  is  a  very  pretty  little  book  you  have  there, 
and  it  must  be  interesting." 

"  Yes,"  she  replied,  "  it  gives  me  great  comfort  to 
read  it,  for  I  always  trust  in  Jesus  when  in  affliction." 

When  we  got  on  board  the  steamer  at  Amboy  for 
New  York  I  made  up  my  mind  to  raise  some  money 
for  her.  There  was  but  one  man  on  board  that  I  was 
acquainted  with,  and  I  asked  him  first.  He  gave  his 
contribution,  and  every  one  whom  I  asked  to  do  so 
gave  something.  During  my  round  I  came  to  a  Ger- 
man and  solicited  his,  also. 

"  Yes,"  said  he,  "  I  gives  von  tollar,  an  if  dat  be  not 
monish  enuf  I  vill  gib  von  tollar  more." 


254:  VICTIMIZED  BY  ONE  OF  THE  FAIR  SEX 

"  Coming  to  a  gentleman  seated  between  two  ladies 
I  told  him  the  circumstances,  and  he  was  about  to  give, 
when  one  of  the  ladies  remarked  that  she  claimed  the 
light  herself,  and  gave  me  one  dollar.  I  succeeded  in 
raising  double  what  she  said  she  had  lost,  and  taking 
it  down  to  the  ladies'  cabin  placed  it  in  her  hand.  She 
seemed  thankful,  and  when  the  boat  arrived  at  New 
York  I  took  her  in  a  hack  to  Lovejoy's  Hotel  and  paid 
her  bill  until  the  next  day  at  which  time  she  was  to 
take  the  boat  for  Albany,  where  she  said  she  resided. 
She  gave  me  the  street  and  number  where  she  lived, 
and  the  name  of  her  uncle.  Bidding  her  good -evening, 
I  took  the  train  for  Boston. 

Several  months  afterwards  I  was  in  Albany,  and 
thought  I  would  call  on  the  young  lady ;  but  I  found 
out  there  was  no  such  number  as  she  gave  me  on  the 
street  designated,  and  on  consulting  the  directory  I 
found  no  such  man  as  she  represented  her  uncle  to  be. 
I  concluded  that  I  had  been  sold,  and  for  once  in  my 
life  been  a  victim  to  the  wiles  of  the  fair  sex.  But  I 
must  confess  that  no  actress  on  the  stage  ever  played 
their  part  to  better  perfection  than  this  unassuming 
young  lady  of  eighteen  summers. 

She  done  her  level  lest. 


CHAPTEE  XXX. 

URIXG  the  next  four  weeks  I  spoke  in  the 
different  towns  near  Boston,  including  Lynn, 
Saugus,  Medford,  Maiden,  Swampscott,  Mil- 
ton, Lower  Falls ;  also  in  Worcester. 
From  Worcester  I  went  to  Boston,  having  received 
a  letter  from  Wendell  Phillips  inviting  me  to  come  to 
his  house.  1  found  him  in  his  study  and  he  greeted 
me  very  cordially,  making  inquiry  about  my  welfare 
and  seeming  to  take  a  deep  interest  in  me.  I  admired 
him  exceedingly,  for  he  had  no  ostentatious  way  with 
him  and  conversed  with  me  as  freely  as  though  I  had 
been  the  Governor.  He  invited  me  to  walk  with  him, 
and  on  reaching  the  street  he  took  my  arm  and  made 
me  feel  perfectly  at  home  in  his  company.  When  the 
time  came  for  me  to  leave,  he  gave  me  two  very  use- 
ful books  and  handed  me  ten  dollars,  saying  "  The 
strong  must  help  the  weak."  With  a  parting  shake 
of  the  hand  I  left  his  house,  feeling  that  my  visit  had 
not  been  without  gain  to  me  in  many  ways.  I  had 
received  valuable  advice  and  been  greatly  encouraged 
in  my  work,  and  have  since  been  greatly  benefited 
from  his  counsel.  255 


256  A  VISIT  TO  WENDELL  PHILLIPS. 

There  was  a  great  contrast  between  Mr.  Phillips 
and  some  other  persons  whom  it  has  been  my  fortune 
to  meet ;  no  egotism  or  false  pride  were  noticeable  in 
his  manner,  actions  or  words.  I  could  not  realize  that 
I  was  in  the  company  of  one  of  the  most  polished 
orators  America  ever  produced.  Descended  from  one 
of  the  first  families  of  New  England  and  reared  in 
opulence,  with  all  his  wealth  and  high  position  he 
realizes  that  there  are  people  in  the  world  needing  sym- 
pathy and  encouragement.  I  often  meet  him,  and 
always  receive  a  kind,  affectionate  welcome,  and  leave 
his  presence  strengthened  and  encouraged,  and  go  on 
my  way  a  happier  man. 

On  returning  to  Worcester  I  received  a  call  from 
Franklin  Whipple,  and  after  spending  a  pleasant  hour 
with  him  he  left  with  many  wishes  for  my  continued 
prosperity,  at  the  same  time  slipping  a  five-dollar  bill 
into  my  hand.  From  that  time  to  the  present  Mr. 
Whipple  has  been  a  true  friend  to  me,  and  I  have 
never  been  to  him  for  a  favor  but  what  it  has  been 
readily  granted.  In  looking  over  my  numerous  friends, 
I  can  think  of  none  who  would  do  more  to  aid  me 
than  this  warm-hearted  Christian  gentleman.  The 
world  would  be  much  better  if  there  were  more  Frank- 
lin Whipples. 

On  my  next  visit  to  Boston  I  received  an  invitation 
from  Mr.  May,  who  was  then  Grand  Worthy  Patriarch 
of  the  Sons  of  Temperance,  to  speak  in  connection  with 
that  order  under  directions,  and  arranged  to  do  so. 
I  spoke  in  Swansey,  South  Braintree,  North  and 
East  Bridgewater,  Weymouth,  Abington,  Hingham, 


IN  NE  W  JERSE  Y.  237 

Kingston,  Plymouth  and  many  other  places.  At  Ply- 
month  1  had  the  pleasure  of  standing  on  Plymouth 
Rock,  and  of  visiting  Pilgrim  Hall,  where  many 
old  relics  are  kept.  Numerous  articles  brought  over 
in  the  May  Flower  are  here  to  be  seen.  I  was  carried 
back,  in  imagination,  to  the  time  when  our  Pilgrim 
Fathers  left  their  homes  and  all  they  held  dear,  to 
cross  a  tempestuous  and  almost  unknown  ocean,  to  find 
a  home  in  the  New  World  where  they  could  worship 
God  with  freedom  of  thought  and  action.  After  my 
engagement  with  Mr.  May  was  filled  I  received  a  call 
to  lecture  in  New  Jersey,  and  spoke  in  Elizabeth, 
Newark,  Monmouth,  Keyport,  Jersey  City  and  other 
places.  The  audiences  were  large  and  I  found  a  warm 
reception,  and  though  many  consider  New  Jersey  as 
out  of  the  United  States,  I  believe  that  it  is  not  only 
a  part  of  the  United  States  but  that  the  time  is  not 
far  distant  when  it  will  rank  as  one  of  the  most  enter- 
prising and  flourishing  states  in  the  Union. 

From  New  Jersey  I  went  to  Philadelphia,  and  spoke 
in  Siloam  Church.  Geo.  W.  Hicks  of  that  city  also 
made  an  address.  Mr.  Hicks  has  been  engaged  in  the 
temperance  cause  for  many  years ;  is  a  fine  speaker 
and  a  noble  man.  We  need  more  of  the  same  sort.  I 
hope  he  may  live  long  to  do  good,  and  in  the  great 
day  to  come  receive  his  reward. 

One  morning  on  coming  down  to  breakfast  at  the 
hotel  where  I  was  stopping,  I  was  seated  opposite  a 
line,  gentlemanly-looking  person.  During  the  meal 
we  conversed  on  several  different  subjects  and  I  was 
favorably  impressed  with  him.  About  noon  he  came 


258  A  QUEER  FREAK. 

in,  and  I  saw  at  a  glance  that  he  was  considerably 
under  the  influence  of  liquor.  Coming  up  to  me,  he 
slapped  me  on  the  shoulder  and  said — 

"  Come,  let  us  take  a  drink." 

I  informed  him  that  I  must  decline  his  invitation, 
for  I  was  a  temperance  man. 

"  You  a  temperance  man  !"  said  he.  "Well,  I  am 
glad  of  it.  I  wish  I  was,  myself,  hut  I  am  not ;  so  I 
must  have  a  drink." 

After  he.  had  imbibed  his  liquor  he  came  to  me  and 
said — 

"  "What  is  your  business  V 

I  told  him  it  was  to  do  all  I  could  to  save  such  men 
as  himself. 

"  Do  you  think  you  can  do  anything  for  me  ?"  said 
he. 

I  replied  that  I  hoped  so ;  for  as  fine  a  looking  man 
as  he  ought  not  to  fill  a  drunkard's  grave. 

"  Now,  friend,"  said  he,  "  I  have  drunk  liquor 
enough  to  float  a  seventy-four  gun  frigate,  and  have 
probably  spent  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  rum ;  I  want 
to  be  a  sober  man,  and  if  you  will  stick  to  me  for  three 
days  I  will  never  drink  another  drop  of  the  vile  stuff; 
but  I  want  you  to  do  just  as  I  say." 

I  told  him  I  would  do  anything  that  was  honorable, 
and  would  stay  with  him  three  days  if  at  the  end  of 
that  time  he  would  promise  to  drink  no  more.  The 
agreement  was  made,  and  the  first  thing  he  did  was  to 
hire  a  hack.  We  took  seats  in  it,  and  he  directed  the 
driver  to  take  us  to  the  Park.  On  the  way  there  he 
frequently  stopped  to  take  a  drink  at  the  bars  we 


THREE  DAYS  WITH  A  HARD  DRINKER.  259 

passed,  and  when  lie  remained  longer  than  I  thought 
prudent,  I  would  go  in,  gently  lay  my  hand  on  his 
shoulder,  and  say — "  Come,  it  is  time  we  were  going," 
when  he  would  walk  out  without  saying  a  word,  and 
get  into  the  carriage.  I  found  out  that  he  was  a  prom- 
inent business  man  of  New  York,  and  well-known  in 
Philadelphia  and  throughout  the  country.  I  remained 
with  him  three  days,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time 
lie  said — 

"  You  have  fulfilled  your  promise.  You  have  taken 
good  care  of  me,  and  now,  to  pay  you,  I  will  never 
drink  another  glass  of  liquor  as  long  as  I  live." 

He  immediately  took  the  train  for  New  York,  where 
I  promised  to  meet  him  at  a  hotel  on  Courtlandt  street 
at  a  stated  time.  I  was  there  punctually,  and  when  I 
stepped  into  the  hotel  he  came  across  the  hall 
with  his  hand  extended,  exclaiming — 

"  Oh,  how  glad  I  am  that  you  have  come !  I  want 
you  to  go  home  with  me." 

We  took  the  ferry-boat  and  crossed  over  to  where 
he  resided.  I  found  him  living  like  a  prince,  and  a 
happier  time  I  never  spent  in  my  life.  His  house  has 
always  been  just  like  home  to  me  since,  and  the  last 
time  I  saw  him  he  said — 

"  George,  my  boy,  I  have  kept  my  pledge." 

While  in  New  York  I  met  Col.  J.  C.  O.  Eedington, 
who  at  that  time  was  Grand  Worthy  Patriarch  of 
Western  New  York,  and  he  made  an  engagement  with 
me  for  my  services  in  that  part  of  the  state.  The  ap- 
pointments were  made  for  me,  and  I  lectured  in  many 
of  the  town  sand  cities,  and  organized  several  Divisions 


200  IN  WESTERN  NEW  YORK. 

of  the  Sons  of  Temperance.  Some  of  the  places  I  vis- 
ited were  Geneva,  Waterloo,  Canandagua,  Buffalo, 
Westn'eld,  Dunkirk,  and  Fredonia.  My  audiences 
Avere  very  large,  and  some  of  the  Divisions  organized 
numbered  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  and  twenty -five 
members. 

I  formed  the  acquaintance  of  the  Grand  Secretary, 
J.  A.  Shaw  of  Jeddo,  Orleans  Co.,  and  passed  a  pleas- 
ant time  with  him.  He  is  one  of  the  best  men  it  has 
been  my  lot  to  meet,  and  has  endeared  himself  to  me 
by  the  strongest  ties  of  fraternal  friendship. 

At  Buffalo  I  stopped  at  the  Tremont  House  kept  by 
Mr.  Thorp,  a  strong  temperance  mail.     One  day  two 
men  came  in  and  inquired  for  something  to  drink. 
"Yes,  gentlemen,"  said  he,  "  come  right  this  way." 
They  followed  him  up  stairs,  and,  going  to  the  water 
faucet,  he  let  on  the  water,  and  said — 

"  There,  gentlemen,  help  yourselves ;  this  is  the  kind 
of  drink  we  have  here." 

They  informed  him  that  they  wanted  some  whisky. 
"  Well,"  said  he,  "  if  you  want  that  kind  of  drink 
you  must  go  somewhere  else  for  it.     We  drink  cold 
water  here  in  this  hotel." 

They  left,  muttering  to  themselves  about  being  mis- 
taken in  the  place. 

At  one  town  where  I  organized  a  large  society,  some 
half-dozen  of  the  signers  were  considerably  intoxicated. 
But  they  were  in  earnest,  and  I  obligated  them,  and  I 
have  since  heard  that  they  have  faithfully  kept  their 
pledge  and  are  good  workers  in  the  temperance  ranks. 
During  my  tour  in  Western  New  York  I  met  with 


VISIT  MY  PARENTS.  261 

a  '.v.irm  reception,  and  formed  the  acquaintance  of  a 
hrjp  number  of  temperance  men.  At  one  place  a  ho- 
tel-keeper came  to  the  meeting ;  after  hearing  me  lec- 
ture he  came  up  and  took  me  by  the  hand,  and  greeted 
me  in  a  very  feeling  manner,  expressing  the  hope  that 
the  day  would  not  be  far  distant  when  no  man  would 
be  in  the  degrading  business  of  liquor  selling.  Draw- 
ing a  large  silver  coin  from  his  pocket,  he  said — 

"  There,  Mr.  Dutcher,  that  piece  of  money  I  have 
carried  for  years,  but  I  want  you  to  take  it  and  keep 
it,  and  whenever  you  look  at  the  cpin  remember  that 
one  man  sells  liquor  who  can  think  right,  although  he 
may  not  always  follow  the  dictates  of  his  conscience." 

After  I  had  finished  lecturing  in  that  part  of  the 
state  I  started  for  New  Jersey  to  fill  an  engagement. 
On  the  way  down  I  called  to  see  my  parents.  It  was 
late  in  the  evening  when  I  arrived,  and  they  had  re- 
tired. After  considerable  pounding  I  succeeded  .in 
awakening  them,  and  my  father  came  and  let  me  in.  I 
had  purchased  a  present  for  him,  and  laid  it  on  the  t;> 
ble  saying — 

"  There,  father,  is  something  I  have  bought  you/' 

A  tear  glistened  in  his  eye,  for  he  had  a  tend. .: 
heart.  After  a  long  pause  he  looked  up  and  said— 

"  George,  do  you  ever  mention  anything  about  1113 
in  your  lectures  ?" 

I  informed  him  that  I  did,  sometimes. 

'*  Do  yon  tell  them  that  I  am  a  drunkard  ?" 

I  informed  him  that  I  told  the  people  that  he  still 
drank.  After  another  long  silence  he  looked  up  and 
said — 


£  r  3  MY  FA  THER  SIGNS  THE  PLED  OE. 

"  That  don't  sound  well,  for  jour  poor  old  father  to 
be  a  drunkard  and  you  trying  to  do  good  in  the  tem- 
perance cause." 

The  next  morning  he  said  to  me — 

"  George,  I  have  not  slept  all  night,  thinking  of 
what  you  told  me.  If  you  will  draw  up  a  pledge  I 
will  sign  it,  and  by  God's  help  I  will  never  break  it." 

I  drew  up  the  pledge,  and  with  a  trembling  hand 
he  signed  his  name.  Mother  requested  to  have  her 
name  there  also;  and  a  relative  of  mine  who  was  with 
us  said — 

"  I  guess,  George,  I  will  sign  it,  also  ;"  and  he  placed 
his  name  to  the  pledge,  exclaiming,  "  I  have  drank  all 
the  ruin  I  ever  shall." 

He  had  been  a  faithful  soldier  in  the  army,  and  no 
better  or  more  noble-hearted  man  can  be  found  any- 
where, than  Andrew  Youngs. 

That  was  a  joyful  time  at  that  little  home  in  the 
woods ;  no  doubt  my  dear  mother  oifered  up  a  secret 
prayer'that  God  might  strengthen  us  all  to  prove  faith- 
ful to  the  vow  we  had  taken — for  I  had  signed  with 
the  rest,  though  pledged  as  I  already  was,  for  I  thought 
my  signing  might  have  a  good  influence.  When  the 
time  arrived  for  me  to  go  my  way,  father  brought  out 
his  old  horse,  hitched  him  into  a  rickety  wagon,  and 
took  me  to  the  Hudson  River  where  I  could  get  on 
board  a  steamboat  for  New  York.  "When  I  alighted 
from  the  wagon  I  took  my  father  by  the  hand  and  said 
to  him — 

"  Remember  what  you  have  done,"  and  with  the 
words — "  God  bless  you,"  I  stepped  on  board  the  steam- 


AND  KEEIti  IT.  203 

boat  and  was  soon  gliding  down  the  noble  river.  I 
stood  and  watched  him  from  the  upper  deck,  as  he  sat 
in  his  wagon,  straining  his  eyes  to  get  a  glimpse  of  me 
as  we  wrere  being  separated,  and  soon  we  could  see 
each  other  no  more.  I  offered  np  a  fervent  prayer  that 
he  might  have  strength  to  keep  that  pledge.  Some 
time  after  this  I  received  a  letter  from  my  sister,  stat- 
ing that  he  had  done  so,  faithfully. 

A  few  clays  afterward  I  went  to  Leeds,  near  where 
my  father  lived,  and  organized  a  temperance  society, 
and  had  the  pleasure  of  placing  the  regalia  upon  my 
father's  neck  and  making  him  a  Son  of  Temperance. 
Not  one  drop  of  licpior  has  passed  his  lips  since  that 
time.  He  is  now  a  member  of  the  l<  Praying  Band"  iu 
Yalatie,  N.  Y.  "  How  wonderful  are  thy  ways,  O 
Lord!" 

There  had  been  a  great  temperance  revival  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  and  it  was  still  progressing  at  this  time.  Hun- 
dreds had  signed  the  pledge,  and  many  a  poor  drunk- 
ard's wife  and  children  wrere  made  happy.  The  work 
was  pushed  on  through  the  untiring  eiforts  of  Edward 
Cummings,  Mr.  Guernsey,  and  several  other  gentlemen, 
including  Dr.  "Barton.  Meetings  were  held  in  the 
neighboring  towns  and  the  whole  country  felt  their  in- 
fluence. Mr.  Curnmings  was  afterwards  made  Grand 
Worthy  Patriarch  of  the  Sons  of  Temperance  of  East- 
eyn  New  York.  I  have  spent  many  a  happy  hour  with 
him,  and  hope  he  may  live  long  to  do  great  good. 

Mr.  Guernsey  has  also  endeared  himself  to  me  by 
many  acts  of  kindness  which  I  may  never  be  able  to 
repay. 


2  J  1  LECTURE  AT  VARIOUS  PLACES. 

My  first  address  at  Pouglikeepsie  was  made  in  Pine's 
Hall,  and  they  immediately  engaged  me  to  speak  again. 
Finally,  I  established  my  headquarters  there  for  a  time, 
and  spoke  not  only  to  audiences  in  the  city,  but  through 
neighboring  towns— Fishkill,  Dover,  Rhinebeck,  Platte- 
kill,  Matteawan,  and  many  others. 

One  day  I  met  Count  Yanwyck.  He  had  suffered 
from  the  use  of  strong  drink,  and  promised  to  sign  the 
pledge,  and  he  did  so  at  Mr.  Cu  ram  ing's  office.  He 
was  a  man  of  intelligence,  and  had  formerly  practiced 
law  in  Brooklyn.  He  proved  himself  a  glorious  work- 
er, and  his  influence  in  his  native  place  was  so  great 
that  hundreds  signed  the  pledge,  and  much  good  was 
done  by  his  efforts.  The  last  I  knew  of  him  he  was 
still  true  to  his  obligation,  with  many  bright  prospects 
for  the  future. 

While  in  Poughkeepsie,  I  was  invited  to  speak  in 
Steinway  Hall,  New  York  ;  after  doing  so  I  went  to 
Brooklyn  and  Jersey  City  and  spoke  in  several  churches. 
This  was  in  the  winter  of  1868,  and  having  spent  what 
time  I  intended  to  in  New  York,  I  went  to  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  and  from  there  to  Toledo,  where  I  spoke  by  invita- 
tion of  Col.  De  Wolf  who  at  that  time  was  at  the  head  of 
the  temperance  movement  in  the  State.  He  took  me 
to  his  home,  and  I  had  a  very  pleasant  time  under 
his  hospitable  root.  He  was  also  the  Superintendent 
of  the  Public  Schools  in  Toledo. 

From  there  I  went  to  Detroit,  and  for  the  first  time* 
met  Rev.  John  Russell,  who  is  now  Most  Worthy  Chief 
Templar  of  the  United  States  and  candidate  for  Vice 
President,  He  engaged  me  to  travel  through  the 


M T  ENGA  GEMENT  IN  MICHIGAN.  265 

State,  and  I  lectured  in  Detroit,  Ridgeway,  Mount 
Clemens,  Marion  City,  St.  Clair,  Saginaw  City,  South 
Saginaw,  Bay  City,  Ann  Arbor,  Battle  Creek,  and 
many  other  places.  The  meetings  were  well  attended? 
and  at  some  places  the  halls  were  not  large  enough  to 
accommodate  the  people  who  came  to  hear  me. 

At  one  place  a  poor  drunkard  came  to  me,  grasped 
my  hand,  and  told  me  his  misery  and  degradation. 
Said  he — 

"  There  is  a  dollar ;  the  only  one  I  have  in  the 
world,  and  I  want  you  to  take  it  and  let  me  sign  the 
pledge." 

I  told  him  I  did  not  want  his  dollar,  but  he  said  if 
I  did  not  take  it  he  would  not  sign  the  pledge.  I  was 
obliged  to  accept  his  money,  and  he  signed,  and  I  have 
oeen  informed  that  he  has  remained  firm  and  is  now 
restored  to  his  family,  a  happy  man. 

On  completing  my  engagement  in  Michigan,  I 
received  the  following  letter  from  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary. 

BELLEVUE,  MICHIGAN,  APRIL  15th,  1868. 
GEO.  M.  DUTCHER  : 

Worthy  Brother:— 

I  have  just  returned 

from  Detroit,  and  regret  that  I  did  not  have  the 
pleasure  of  meeting  you  before  you  left  the  state. 
I  believe  you  have  made  many  valuable  impressions 
upon  the  minds  of  our  people  where  you  have  lectured 
and  I  hope  you  have  formed  no  unfavorable  opinion 
of  us.  Fraternally, 

JOHN  EVANS,  G.  W.  S. 
12 


OHAPTEE  XXXI. 

1ST  my  way  from  Detroit  to  New  York  I  fell 
in  with  Hon.  George  M.  Buttrick,  of  Barre, 
Mass.,  and  received  from  him  an  invitation  to 
lecture  in  that  town. 
On  my  return  to  Massachusetts  I  spoke  in  Barre, 
and  all  of  the  expenses  were  paid  by  Mr.  Buttrick, 
who  is  ever  ready  to  give  for  any  good  cause.  Subse- 
quently, I  spent  a  Sabbath  in  Barre  by  his  invitation, 
speaking  at  the  Methodist  church  in  the  morning,  at 
the  Congregational  church  in  the  afternoon,  and  at  the 
Town  Hall  in  the  evening.  Mr.  Buttrick  paid  all  the 
hills  and  allowed  no  one  to  give  a  dollar.  I  have  ever 
found  him  a  firm  friend. 

On  returning  to  New  York  city,  I  found  letters 
inviting  me  to  lecture  in  many  places  in  New  York: 
arid  New  Jersey.  At  Nyack  on  the  Hudson,  I  spoke 
in  the  Republican  wigwam  to  a  large  gathering  of 
people,  on  the  27th  day  of  August,  1868.  During 
my  address,  a  man  arose  in  the  audience,  and  twirling 
his  hat  in  his  hand,  shouted  at  the  top  of  his  voice — 

"  Hurrah  for  Dutcher !  That's  so ;  every  word  is 
truth."  266 


IN  NEW  TORE  AND  NEW  JERSEY.  267 

I  could  not  proceed  for  a  time.  I  knew  nothing 
but  kindness  would  save  him ;  so  I  invited  him  to 
come  and  take  a  seat  on  the  platform. 

"  Certainly,  I  will,"  he  replied ;  and  he  made  his 
way  to  the  stage,  and,  reaching  out  his  hand,  said— 

"  I  know  I  am  a  slave  to  drink  ;  but,  God  helping 
me,  I  will  reform."  That  night  he  stood  up  and  told 
the  people  how  rum  had  robbed  him  of  a  fortune  and 
a  good  name,  and  he  closed  up  by  saying — 

"  Ladies  and  gentlemen ;  I  am  determined  to  spend 
the  remainder  of  my  life  a  sober  man.  The  next 
morning  I  saw  him,  and  he  was  still  of  the  same 
mind.  1  believe  he  has  since  been  true  to  his  pledge. 

While  in  New  York  I  was  introduced  to  James 
Hodges  Esq.,  a  large  builder  in  the  city.  His  place 
of  business  was  at  No.  9  Yestry  Street,  and  his  resi- 
dence was  at  Bound  Brook,  New  Jersey.  He  wanted 
me  to  speak  in  Dr.  Roger's  Church  in  that  place, 
which  I  did  on  Sunday  afternoon.  After  the  address, 
some  of  the  temperance  men,  including  Mr.  Hodges, 
requested  me  to  return  and  speak  in  the  Methodist 
church,  and  I  did  so  gladly,  and  to  a  full  house.  Mr. 
Hodges  has  been  like  a  brother  to  me,  and  has  often 
encouraged  me  in  my  temperance  work  by  acts  of 
kindness ;  while  I  live  I  shall  ever  remember  his 
name,  with  deep  feelings  of  thankfulness  that  it  was 
ever  my  good  fortune  to  meet  him  and  his  fam- 

iiy- 

About  this  time  I  received  a  letter  from  Thadeus 
Fairbanks,  of  St.  Johnsbury,  Vermont,  suggesting 
that  if  I  ever  came  that  way,  I  should  speak  in  his 


268  VISIT  VERMONT. 

village,  and  I  determined  to  pay  Vermont  a  visit.  I 
spoke  at  Bellows  Falls,  Brattleboro,  Chester,  Wood- 
stock, Montpelier,  Windsor,  St.  Johnsbnry,  Lyndon, 
Brandon,  Yergennes,  Middlebury,  St.  Albans,  and  other 
places.  I  enjoyed  the  tour  very  much,  and  was  led  to 
believe  that  the  people  of  Vermont  are  the  most  tem- 
perate, moral,  and  happy  people  whom  it  has  been  my 
good  fortune  to  become  acquainted  with. 

At  St.  Albans  I  met  the  late  Hon.  Lawrence  Brain- 
ard,  who  greeted  me  with  much  kindness.  He  said, 
as  he  handed  me  some  money — 

"  When  you  first  began  to  speak  I  made  up  my 
mind  to  give  you  two  dollars  and  fifty  cents ;  when 
you  was  half  through  I  concluded  to  give  you  five 
dollars ;  but  before  you  finished  speaking  I  deter- 
mined to  make  it  ten  dollars." 

On  my  return  home  I  received  from  Mr.  T.  Fair- 
banks a  check  for  fifty  dollars,  as  a  present.  Mr. 
Stewart,  of  St.  Johnsbury,  at  whose  house  I  was  very 
hospitably  entertained,  is  proprietor  of  the  boarding- 
house  connected  with  the  large  Scale  manufactory  of 
Mr.  Fairbanks,  and,  as  a  temperance  man  and  a  warm- 
hearted gentleman,  it  is  hard  to  find  his  equal.  Mrs. 
Stewart  is  a  lady  of  great  piety  and  warrnness  of 
heart.  She  is  ever  ready  to  do  all  in  her  power  to 
raise  up  the  fallen  and  relieve  the  unfortunate. 

After  my  return  from  Vermont,  I  visited  Lisbon 
and  Littleton,  and  some  other  places  in  New 
Hampshire,  and  then  went  to  New  York.  A  New- 
ton Locke  invited  me  to  Glens  Falls,  where  I  met 
with  success.  Mr.  Locke  is  a  gentleman  of  great 


IN  THE  BRITISH  PRO  VINOUS.  269 

ability  and  integrity,  and  has  proved  to  be  my  warm 
friend.  During  my  tour  I  spoke  in  nearly  all  the 
towns  in  Washington  county. 

I  then  went  to  "Washington,  D.  C.,  and  when  re- 
turning spoke  two  nights  in  Baltimore,  one  evening 
at  Harvre  De  Grace,  two  evenings  in  Wilmington, 
Delaware,  and  also  in  Smyrna,  Dover,  and  other 
towns  in  that  state.  From  there  I  went  to  Trenton, 
K  J. 

Having  determined  to  visit  the  Provinces,  I  took 
the  steamer  at  Boston,  for  St.  Johns  in  New  Bruns- 
wick, where  I  safely  arrived.  During  my  stay  at  St. 
Johns  I  spoke  three  times  in  Institute  Hall.  The 
large  building  was  completely  filled  each  night.  I 
also  spoke  in  Carleton  and  Portland,  and  in  Fred- 
rickton,  the  capitol  of  New  Brunswick.  I  was  most 
cordially  welcomed  and  hospitably  entertained  during 
my  stay,  and  my  visit  to  the  British  Provinces  will 
long  be  remembered  by  me.  I  could  give  many  in- 
teresting incidents  that  transpired  there,  but  will  men- 
tion but  one  as  a  sample  of  many. 

While  walking  on  Prince  William  street,  a  gentle- 
man stopped  me,  and  said — 

"  I  heard  you  lecture  last  evening,  and  I  wish  you 
would  come  to  my  shop  and  see  a  man,  working  for 
me,  who  is  a  slave  to  drink.  He  is  just  getting  over 
a  spree,  and  is  all  unstrung.  He  will  surely  die  un- 
less he  can  be  influenced  to  sign  the  pledge." 

I  went  with  the  gentleman  to  his  shop,  and  found 
the  man  he  had  reference  to,  trying  to  press  a  coat  by 
the  light  of  a  tallow  candle.  The  perspiration  was 


270  ST.  JOHNS,  NEW  BRUNSWICK. 

streaming  from  liis  face  through  weakness,  and  his 
whole  frame  trembled.  Oh,  how  I  pitied  that  man  ! 
He  said  he  had  a  good  mother  in  Scotland,  and  she, 
no  doubt,  was  praying  daily  for  him.  After  some 
conversation  I  requested  him  to  sign  the  pledge ;  he 
consented  to  do  so,  and  with  a  trembling  hand  placed 
his  name  on  the  paper.  I  pressed  his. hand,  wished, 
him  Godspeed,  and  left  him,  feeling  more  fully  con- 
vinced than  ever  before,  that  rum  was  the  most  gigan- 
tic evil  that  has  visited  the  human  race. 

I  cannot  pass  over  this  sketch  of  my  lecturing  tour 
in  New  Brunswick,  without  mentioning  the  names  of 
Oscar  D.  Whetmore  and  John  March  of  St.  Johns, 
and  John  Richards  of  Frederickton.  Language  is  in- 
adequate to  express  my  gratitude  to  them  for  all  the 
kindness  shown  me  during  my  stay.  In  whatever 
position  I  may  be  placed,  I  will  ever  cherish  their 
memory,  and  associate  them  with  happy  days  which 
passed  away  in  their  company. 

On  returning  to  the  States  I  received  an  invitation 
from  Judge  Barbour  and  Capt.  Ezra  S.  Williams  to 
lecture  in  Hartford.  I  spoke  in  the  afternoon  on  the 
State  House  steps,  and  in  the  evening  in  the  hall  of 
the  Good  Samaritans.  I  then  went  to  Middletown, 
and  spoke  four  times  on  Sunday.  In  the  evening  the 
meeting  was  at  the  South  Congregational  church,  and 
the  audience  was  a  very  large  one.  I  here  met  Lieut 
Gov.  Douglass,  and  he  gave  me  a  fine  letter  of  rec- 
ommendation, and  expressed  the  wish  that  I  might 
speak  in  every  town  in  the  State. 

The  way  being  open  for  me,  I  passed  the  winter  of 


TOUR  THROUGH  CONNECTICUT.  271 

1870,  lecturing  in  Connecticut,  speaking  three  or  four 
times  in  some  places.  I  spoke  in  Hartford,  New  Ha- 
ven, Bridgeport,  Norwich,  Waterbury,  Litchfield, 
Winsted,  Stafford  Springs,  Wolcottville,  Ansonia, 
Naugatuck,  Birmingham,  Norwalk,  Danbury,  Bethel, 
New  Britain,  Fair  Haven,  and  numerous  other  towns. 
It  was  one  of  the  most  agreeable  winters  I  ever  spent 
in  the  temperance  field,  and  whenever  I  hear  people 
speaking  disparagingly  about  the  Wooden  Nutmeg 
State,  I  always  defend  it;  for  I  must  confess  that 
Connecticut  is,  to  me,  a  very  dear  State.  The  good 
people  received  me  with  such  open-heartedness  and 
liberality  that  I  shall  not  forget  them.  Often  since, 
I  have  been  called  to  lecture  in  many  places  which  I 
visited  that  winter,  and  I  am  always  greeted  with 
large  audiences,  and  they  seem  to  do  all  they  can  to 
make  me  comfortable  and  happy.  Among  my  choic- 
est friends,  none  do  I  cherish  with  feelings  of  greater 
admiration  than  Ezra  S.  Williams  of  Hartford.  I  had 
a  very  pleasant  time  with  him  on  a  lecturing  tour 
down  the  beautiful  Connecticut,  speaking  at  Higganum, 
Haddam,  Chester,  Deep  Eiver,  and  other  towns.  At 
New  Haven  I  have  always  found  a  home  in  the  fam- 
ily of  J.  J.  Butcher,  and  the  debt  of  gratitude  I  owe 
them,  it  will  be  hard  for  me  to  pay.  I  hope  if  they 
do  not  receive  their  reward  for  all  they  have  done  for 
me  in  this  world  they  will  in  the  one  to  come. 

In  the  summer  of  1871  I  again  went  to  New 
Brunswick,  and  spoke  in  Fredrickton,  Woodstock,  St. 
Andrews,  St.  Stephens,  St.  George,  and  other  places. 
Also  in  Calais,  Maine,  on  a  Sunday  evening,  to  a  very 


272  WCZDEXT  AT  FREDRICKTON,  N.  B. 

large  audience  in  the  Congregational  church.  "While 
stopping  at  the  Bradley  House  in  Fredrickton,  N.  B., 
which,  by  the  way,  is  a  temperance  house  and  a  good 
one,  I  fell  in  with  a  man  who  seemed  to  be  just  get- 
ting over  a  hard  spree.  In  conversation  with  him  he 
asked  me  what  business  I  was  engaged  in.  I  inform- 
ed him  that  I  was  a  temperance  lecturer,  and  was  to 
speak  in  the  City  Hall  Sunday  evening. 

"  Well,"  said  he,  "  I  am  a  good  subject  for  you  to 
lecture  to."  Then  he  told  me  that  he  was  a  school 
teacher,  and  was  teaching  about  five  miles  above  the 
city,  but  had  been  on  a  terrible  spree  for  a  long  time ; 
and,  certainly,  his  appearance  did  not  belie  his  words. 
I  took  a  deep  interest  in  him,  for  he  was  one  of  the 
most  intelligent  men  I  had  ever  met.  The  next  day 
I  went  to  his  house,  and  found  everything  as  he  had 
stated.  Two  bright  little  children  were  playing  on 
the  door  step,  and  his  wife  looked  sad  and  gloomy. 
On  my  return  I  pictured  to  him  his  little  home,  and 
how  foolish  it  was  for  him  to  drink.  At  the  Sunday 
evening  meeting  he  came  up  and  said — 

"  I  will  sign  the  pledge  if  it  kills  me."  He  has 
never  broken  it ;  but  has  ever  trusted  in  God  for 
strength  to  keep  it,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  he  will 
prove  true  to  the  end.  He  is  now  a  teacher  of  a  large 
public  school  in  Massachusetts. 

In  the  winter  of  1872  I  lectured,  principally,  in  New 
England,  many  times  driving  from  place  to  place  in  a 
private  conveyance.  One  evening,  I  borrowed  a  horse 
of  S.  E.  Carleton  of  South  Worcester,  to  go  to  Oak- 
dale.  Mr.  Edward  Stone  accompanied  me.  On  the 


COVNTY.  273 

way  out,  the  old  horse  stumbled,  and  down  he  went, 
and  came  near  throwing  us  over  a  high  embankment. 
We  managed  to  arrive  only  five  minutes  late,  but  on 
the  way  home  we  used  up  the  better  part  of  three 
hours,  although  the  distance  is  not  much  over  eight 
miles.  We  had  a  hearty  laugh  over  the  affair,  and 
Mr.  Carleton  concluded  that  if  the  horse  could  not 
stand  up  on  his  way  to  a  temperance  meeting,  he  did 
not  want  him  any  longer,  and  he  disposed  of  the  ani- 
mal shortly  afterward. 

During  the  latter  part  of  March  and  the  early  part 
of  April,  1872,  I  lectured  in  Hartford,  Suffield, 
Thompsonville,  and  South  Manchester,  Connecticut ; 
and  in  Lee,  Pittsfield,  and  Lenox  Furnace,  Massachu- 
setts. At  the  latter  place  I  stopped  with  a  gentleman 
who  had  been  connected  with  the  glass  business  many 
years;  during  a  recent  revival  under  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wright,  he  and  his  whole  family, 
including  the  hired  man,  had,  been  converted.  A 
more  happy  and  more  devoted  family  I  never  met. 

At  Lee,  I  met  Mr.  W.  Smith,  and  received  from 
him  not  only  words  of  sympathy,  but  something  more 
substantial.  Mr.  W.  J.  Bartlett  invited  me  to  his 
fine  home,  where  I  passed  a  happy  time.  I  gave  two 
addresses  on  Sunday,  March  31st.,  in  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Wright's  church,  and  on  Thursday  I  spoke  in  Dr. 
Gale's  church.  I  have  a  high  regard  for  the  people 
of  Lee. 

I  was  invited  by  Rev.  J.  Warner,  of  Easton,  Con- 
necticut, to  spend  Sunday,  April  7th.,  with  him,  and 
speak  in  the  M.  E.  church  in  the  morning,  in  the 


2  74:  THE  CLERQ  THEN  OF  AMERICA. 

Congregational  church  in  the  afternoon,  and  in  his 
church  in  the  evening.  It  proved  a  rainy  day,  but  the 
congregations  united  at  each  service,  and  the  meet- 
ings proved  successful. 

The  next  day,  the  noble-hearted  Mr.  Warren  took 
me  in  his  carriage  to  Bridgeport,  and,  with  many  wish- 
es for  my  prosperity,  left  me  to  pursue  my  way  to 
New  Milford,  where  I  was  to  speak  that  evening. 
Col.  Blinn  had  made  all  necessary  arrangements  for 
the  meeting,  I  had  a  good  house,  and  they  invited  me 
to  return  and  speak  again. 

The  following  Sunday  I  spoke,  by  invitation  of  Rev. 
Mr.  "Walker,  in  Mason  Village,  New  Hampshire, 
whore  I  have  always  received  a  warm  reception.  On 
my  way  from  Mason  to  Clinton  I  passed  the  ruins  of 
Ayre,  and,  truly,  it  was  a  desolate  sight.  Many  lost 
their  all  by  the  fire-fiend.  Mr.  Stewart,  an  old  and 
well-loved  friend,  grasped  my  hand,  and  said  with 
tears  in  his  eyes — 

"  Brother  Dutcher  ;  I  have  no  home  now  to  enter- 
tain you  in  ;  all  is  swept  away."  With  a  sad  heart,  I 
left  him  in  his  troubles.  I  spoke  in  Clinton,  Massa- 
chusetts, on  Monday,  April  15th.,  and  shall  speak 
there  again  on  Sunday  the  28th. 

Before  I  lay  aside  my  pen,  let  me  say,  that  to  the 
Clergymen  of  America  I  am  indebted  for  what  little 
success  I  may  have  had  as  a  lecturer  on  the  great  and 
important  subject  of  Temperance.  Their  hearts  and 
their  homes  have  ever  been  open  to  me,  and  by  word 
and  deed  they  have  aided  me  in  my  endeavors  to  lift 
up  poor,  fallen  men,  and  to  be,  in  God's  hands,  the 


SUMMARY  OF  LABORS.  275 

humble  instrument  of  saving  some  from  a  drunk- 
ard's grave.  To  hundreds  of  others  I  am  also  grate- 
ful for  numerous  favors,  and  especially  so  to  Warren 
W.  Dutcher,  of  Hopedale,  who  came  to  my  aid  on  one 
of  the  darkest  days  which  I  have  experienced  since  I 
began  to  work  for  the  Temperance  Cause.  May  the 
choicest  blessings  of  Heaven  rest  upon  all  who  have 
thus  stood  by  me,  and  encouraged  me  on. 

During  the  last  six  years,  I  have  delivered,  by  ac- 
tual count,  over  two  thousand  lectures,  and  traveled 
not  less  than  one  hundred  thousand  miles.  What 
good  I  have  accomplished  no  mortal  can  tell;  but 
when  God  makes  up  his  jewels,  I  hope  to  have  the 
satisfaction  of  greeting  some  redeemed  ones,  saved 
through  my  feeble  efforts. 

I  am  still  working  hard  to  do  what  good  I  can. 
Sometimes  I  have  been  long  distances  to.  visit  poor 
victims  of  rum,  and  in  nearly  all  cases  they  have  re^ 
formed.  Others  I  have  taken  under  my  immediate 
charge,  and  with  only  two  exceptions,  they  are  re- 
formed. Several  such  are  now  members  of  different 
Churches. 

Many  ask  me  if  I  still  have  the  appetite  to  drink. 
I  will  answer  the  question  here,  by  saying  that  I  still 
have  to  fight  my  desire  for  drink.  I  shall  be  obliged 
to  struggle  with  my  appetite  all  my  days.  But,  trust- 
ing in  Divine  Providence,  I  hope  to  live  and  die  a 
temperance  man. 

And  now,  dear  reader,  as  I  am  about  to  bring  this 
narrative  of  my  past  life  to  a  close,  let  me  say  a  few 
words  of  warning.  If  you  have  taken  the  first  glass, 


276  CONCLUSION. 

let  it  be  the  last.  Take  not  another.  If  you  have 
never  taken  the  first  glass,  do  not  do  it.  I  have  cir- 
culated the  pledge  through  many  a  dark  and  lonely 
prison,  and  have  often  heard  the  words — "  Oh  that  I 
had  never  taken  the  first  glass."  Often  while  visiting 
a  prison  have  I  been  led  to  exclaim— "Oh  Lord, 
Thou  alone  hast  preserved  me,  and  Thy  right  hand 
has  kept  me  from  sharing  the  fate  of  these  whom  I  see 
before  me."  But  instead  of  looking  through  grated 
windows,  which  many  are  now  doing  by  reason  of  in- 
temperance, I  am  permitted  to  breathe  the  pure  air 
of  Heaven,  and  drink  in  the  beauties  of  nature,  sur- 
rounded by  kind  friends,  and  with  a  happy  home ; 
and  I  am  led  to  exclaim — "  Great  is  Thy  mercy  to- 
wards me,  and  Thou  hast  delivered  my  soul  from  the 
lowest  hell." 

I  am  fully  determined,  while  my  life  is  spared,  to 
continue  to  labor  to  the  best  of  my  ability  in  the 
great  cause  I  have  espoused.  Wherever  my  lot  may 
be  cast,  or  Providence  may  lead  my  feet,  I  shall  ever 
give  God  the  praise,  knowing  that  He  doeth  all  things 
well ;  and  as  not  even  a  sparrow  falleth  to  the  ground 
without  His  notice,  I  do  most  humbly  trust  that  He 
will  have  some  purpose  even  in  the  fate  of  one  like 
me. 


PART   II. 

TRIUMPHS  AND  TRIALS 

ON 

TEMPERANCE  TRAILS. 

BY 

SAMUEL  S.  HALL. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  story  of  Mr.  Butcher's  life  up  to  April,  1872, 
is  narrated  in  preceding  pages.  Six  years  have 
since  elapsed,  during  which,  faithful  to  his  pledge 
and  the  determination  expressed  on  the  closing 
page  of  his  autobiography,  he  has,  to  the  best  of 
his  ability,  unceasingly  labored  to  reform  the  intem- 
perate, raise  the  fallen,  and  advance  the  cause  of 
temperance  and  humanity.  Amid  trials,  temptations, 
and  some  things  calculated  to  discourage  him,  but,  it 
must  be  added,  more  to  encourage  and  cheer  him  on, 
he  has  "  soberly  and  cheerfully  "  accomplished  a  vast 
amount  of  hard  work ;  and  never  were  his  services 
more  in  demand  than  now. 

Unable  from  his  engagements  to  respond  to  the 
call  of  his  publishers  for  a  continuation  of  his  narra- 
tive, the  preparation  of  an  appendix  thereto  has 
fallen  upon  me.  Before  commencing  the  very  im- 
perfect record  which  I  shall  give,  as  my  space  is  lim- 
ited, it  may  be  well  to  say  something  of  the  intimate 
associations  with  Mr.  Dutcher  which  have  to  some 
extent  fitted  me  for  the  task. 

279 


280  OLD-TIME  REMINISCENCES. 

Shortly  after  my  return  from  the  army  of  our  civil 
war,  in  which  I  had  suffered  innumerable  privations, 
I  first  met  Mr.  Dutcher  in  Leominster,  Mass.,  where 
my  father,  Oliver  Hall,  then  resided  and  now  resides. 
Mr.  Dutcher  was  then  a  traveling  book  agent,  and 
our  acquaintance  commenced  at  the  old  "  Leominster 
House" — since  burned  down.  In  a  short  time  we 
became  quite  familiar  through  numerous  potations, 
and  entered  on  a  protracted  spree  during  which  we 
found  ourselves  in  Boston ;  afterward  in  some,  to  us, 
unaccountable  manner,  we  became  separated,  as  has 
been  detailed  on  page  227. 

In  a  week  or  so  after  1  reached  Leominster  my 
lost  comrade  also  arrived  there,  and  we  passed  a  night 
together  in  the  old  graveyard,  where,  after  we  had 
drank  all  the  whisky  we  had  on  hand,  we  sat  down 
under  the  dark  and  gloomy  pines,  amid  the  moss-cov- 
ered monuments,  and  began  to  argue  over  the  possi- 
ble good  that  might  originate  from  making  a  mutual 
resolve  not  to  indulge  our  appetites  for  strong  drink 
any  longer. 

After  reaching  conclusions  favorable  to  the  tem- 
perance question,  we  raised  our  hands  amid  the  dark- 
ness, gloom  and  chill  night  air,  and  called  on  God  to 
help  us  lead  sober  lives ;  then,  feeling  somewhat 
better  for  our  new  resolutions,  we  lay  down  together 
on  the  sward  and  slept  until  morning. 

In  the  morning  we  separated  again,  and,  as  it 
proved,  for  many  years.  Mr.  Dutcher  went  to  Wor- 
cester, where  his  wife,  who  had  been  vainly  searching 
for  him  in  Leominster,  had  gone  to  live  with  her 


OLD-  TIME  REMINISCENCES.  281 

mother ;  and  I  went  back  to  my  adopted  state,  Texas, 
where  I  had  before  the  war,  when  but  a  boy,  fought 
the  most  blood-thirsty  Indians  of  America — the  Cam- 
aches  and  Apaches — under  Sam  Houston ;  and  had 
also,  during  the  first  years  of  the  war,  served  against 
Cortina,  the  bandit  scourge  of  the  Rio  Grande,  in 
that  world-renowned  corps,  the  Texan  Rangers. 

Subsequently  I  again  returned  from  Texas  to  New 
York,  and  there,  as  we  afterward  found  out,  I  lived 
but  one  block  from  where  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dutcher  with 
their  first  born  son  resided.  Mrs.  Dutcher  several 
times  remarked  to  her  husband,  that  from  her  window 
she  had  seen  a  young  man  pass  who  reminded  her  of 
me. 

Leaving  New  York  I  went  west,  visited  Omaha, 
and  roamed  about  the  Sioux  country ;  then  I  hunted 
and  trapped  one  winter  in  Northern  Michigan ;  and 
then  I  returned  to  my  father's  in  Leominster.  Soon 
after  my  arrival  home  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Dutcher,  inviting  me  to  visit  him  at  his  home  in 
Worcester,  but  before  I  had  done  so  he  called  at  a 
late  hour  one  evening  and  asked  to  see  me  at  the 
door.  1  did  not  know  who  it  was  until  he  asked  me 
if  I  remembered  sleeping  in  the  graveyard  with  him. 

Thus  we  once  more  met;  and  subsequently  our 
friendship,  without  the  help  of  whisky,  matured  into 
a  deep  regard  for  each  other.  I  was  somewhat  sur- 
prised to  learn  that  my  friend,  who  had  formerly 
been  noted  as  a  man  of  great  capacity  in  the  drink- 
ing line,  was  now  a  temperance  lecturer  of  consid- 
erable reputation. 


282  OLD-TIME  REMINISCENCES. 

After  Mr.  Dutcher  called  on  me  I  went  to  his  resi- 
dence in  Kilby  street,  Worcester,  and  was  most 
kindly  welcomed  in  a  brotherly  and  sisterly  manner 
by  himself  and  his  wife.  I  found  their  family 
increased  to  two  boys  and  two  girls — very  interesting 
children — and  Mrs.  Dutcher,  although  she  had  been 
in  poor  health  for  much  of  the  time,  appeared  as 
young  as  she  did  when  I  last  saw  her,  in  Leominster, 
hunting  for  her  George  who  was  enjoying  a  drunken 
spree  one  hundred  miles  away. 

The  kindly  greeting  I  received  at  the  Kilby  street 
cottage,  the  absence  of  all  reserve,  and  the  unselfish 
friendship — stronger  from  my  roving  disposition — 
into  which  we  unconsciously  drifted,  led  me  to  think- 
ing how  the  situation  of  my  friends  could  be 
improved. 

Mr.  Dutcher  was  paying  high  rent,  and  his  family 
expenses  were  more  than  he  could  easily  get  along 
with  as  a  lecturer — for  he  was  constantly  meeting  poor 
drunkards  who  needed  help,  and  it  was  not  in  his 
heart  to  refuse  them ;  besides,  there  was  no  time 
while  he  resided  in  Worcester  when  he  did  not  have 
some  unfortunate  victim  of  rum  in  his  family  who 
was  trying  to  reform.  Many  miserable  men  has  he 
clothed  and  fed  and  cared  for  at  his  home ;  and  too 
much  praise  cannot  be  accorded  to  Mrs.  Dutcher, 
who  has  for  years  had  the  trouble  of  these  men  being 
in  the  family,  and  the  fear  of  them  when  they  were 
under  the  influence  of  drink.  In  fact,  no  woman  in 
the  land  has  suffered  more  from  the  effects  of  this 
curse  upon  those  she  loved,  and  those  she  has  been 


BUENA  VISTA  COTTAGE.  283 

forced  to  associate  with  through  the  temperance  work 
of  her  husband.  Truly  she  is  well  calculated  for  a 
temperance  lecturer's  wife ;  and  I  can  say  with  truth, 
I  never  met  a  woman  who  had  more  sympathy  for 
drinking  men,  or  who  would  bear  with  more  patience 
their  foolish  and  insane  actions. 

My  father  had  just  erected  on  his  farm  some  two- 
story  cottages,  and  I  induced  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dutcher  to 
go  to  Leominster  with  me  and  inspect  them.  A 
pleasant  ride  of  eighteen  miles,  a  warm  welcome 
from  the  members  of  my  father's  family,  a  good 
night's  rest — then  the  cottages  were  visited  and  one 
of  them  approved.  In  two  weeks  from  that  time 
the  Dutchers  with  their  goods  and  chattels  and  child- 
ren were  domiciled  in  what  we  christened  "Buena 
Yista  Cottage  " — a  Spanish  name  signifying  beautiful 
view.  Mr.  Dutcher  wrote  the  latter  portion  of  his 
autobiography  in  this  new  home. 

The  Dutcher  family  were  now  very  comfortably 
situated.  Their  cottage  stood  on  a  hill  surrounded 
by  green  fields,  and  from  its  piazza  and  windows 
could  be  seen  the  beautiful  town  of  Leominster  only 
one  mile  below.  To  the  West  and  North  loomed  up 
the  two  peaks  of  Monoosnock  mountain.  Far  away 
to  the  southward  stretched  hill  and  dale,  wood  and 
meadow,  presenting  in  summer  a  most  charming 
prospect.  Just  down  the  old  lane,  bordered  on  each 
side  by  noble  apple  trees,  was  the  Hall  homestead, 
embosomed  in  a  forest  of  pear,  peach  and  cherry 
trees  ;  while  in  the  spaces  between  grew  strawberries, 
currants,  and  grape  vines.  The  most  beautiful  rose 


284:  "  GRAtf'PA  SAIL'S." 

garden  in  the  county  stretched  up  from  the  large  yel- 
low barn  to  the  conservatory ;  and  opposite  the  farm- 
house towered  three  gigantic  elms,  whose  long  grace- 
ful branches,  the  home  of  golden  robins,  swayed 
gently  in  the  breeze. 

The  Dutchers  soon  came  to  feel  as  much  at  home 
at  Gran'pa  Hall's— as  the  children  called  my  father — 
as  myself.  My  respected  mother  was  ever  happy  to 
render  them  council  and  assistance;  and  Lottie  R. 
Hall,  my  only  sister  remaining  at  home,  was  always 
on  hand  to  receive  and  entertain  them. 

My  father's  business  at  this  time  frequently  called 
him  away  from  home,  and  shaking  off  to  some  degree 
my  roving  propensities,  I  remained  to  assist  him.  I 
also  entered  into  an  agreement  with  Mr.  Du tcher  to 
attend  to  his  correspondence,  and  as  a  consequence 
was  in  constant  communication  with  him,  and  received 
from  him  hundreds  of  letters  detailing  his  adventures 
and  experiences.  These  letters,  with  what  I  have 
learned  while  accompanying  him  on  several  of  his 
lecturing  tours,  and  in  conversations  with  him,  are 
my  chief  sources  of  information  as  to  what  is  related 
on  the  following  pages. 


CHAPTER  II. 

AFTER  moving  to  Leominster,  Mr.  Dutcher  felt 
at  liberty  to  be  absent  from  home  more  than  he 
had  previously  been,  and  to  extend  his  lecturing  tours, 
knowing  that  his  family  were  with  friends  who  would 
care  for  them  in  case  of  sickness. 

In  the  months  of  May  and  June,  1872,  he  lectured 
in  Fitchburg,  Clinton,  Newton,  Natick,  and  other 
towns  near  Boston,  and  in  Nashua,  N.  H.,  and  vicin- 
ity ;  he  then  went  to  Oneonta,  Delhi,  and  other  towns 
in  that  section  of  New  York  State,  and  spoke  to 
large  audiences  eleven  times  in  seven  days. 

In  August  he  was  again  invited  to  the  Susquehan- 
na  valley,  and  lectured  in  Worcester,  East  Worcester, 
Otsego,  Unadilla,  and  other  places.  At  Cobleskill 
he  was  entertained  by  Hon.  Charles  Courter,  who 
took  him  to  his  beautiful  home.  He  then  went  to 
Schoharie  County,  and  at  Middleburg  found  relations 
— John  Cornwell  and  family,  who  were  overjoyed  to 
see  him.  Dr.  Henry  Wells  also  gave  him  a  hearty 
welcome,  and  did  all  in  his  power  to  make  the  meet- 
ings a  success.  At  this  town  he  saw  a  well-educated 

285 


286  /2V  THE  SUSQUEHANNA   VALLEY. 

man,  once  highly  respectable  and  wealthy,  but  then 
only  a  miserable  beggar.  "  Give  me  ten  cents,"  he 
exclaimed  in  beseeching  tones  and  with  his  trembling 
hand  outstretched;  "it  will  not  make  you  any 
poorer."  Mr.  Dutcher's  pleadings  and  arguments 
were  all  in  vain ;  rum,  rum,  rum,  the  man  must  and 
would  have  to  keep  his  soul  and  body  together.  A 
few  weeks  later  he  died  in  the  New  Haven  poor 
house. 

October  found  Mr.  Dutcher  in  numerous  towns  in 
Eastern  Massachusetts.  At  Dedham  he  visited  his 
esteemed  uncle,  Hon.  Eliphalet  Stone,  who  renewed 
his  interest  in  the  cause  and  rendered  much  assistance. 
At  Boston,  Rev.  J.  D.  Fulton  invited  him  to  speak 
in  Tremont  Temple,  and  raised  a  good  collection  for 
him ;  he  also  invited  him  to  his  home  and  treated  him 
as  a  brother. 

At  Chelsea,  Mr.  Dutcher  addressed  a  large  audience, 
and  went  to  the  home  of  his  much  beloved  friend  O. 
E.  Downing,  where  he  has  always  met  a  hearty  wel- 
come. In  East  Boston  he  spoke  in  the  Baptist,  Pres- 
byterian, and  other  churches,  and  received  many 
favors  from  Charles  H.  Jenkins,  the  postmaster. 

In  November,  Mr.  Dutcher  received  a  call  from 
Rev.  Mr.  Griffin  of  Carbondale,  Penn.  On  arriving 
there  he  was  greeted  by  a  very  large  audience  assem- 
bled in  the  court  house,  and  his  words  found  a  home 
in  the  hearts  of  the  miners.  Tears  flowed  down 
their  cheeks  as  he  told  them  of  his  experiences  as  a 
drunkard  and  pleaded  with  them  to  give  up  strong 
drink.  Many  signed  the  pledge,  and  to  their  dying 


LOCAL  OPTION.  287 

day  will  thank  the  Lord  that  they  were  induced  to 
attend  the  meeting. 

At  Mr.  Griffin's  advice,  Mr.  Dutcher  resolved  to 
extend  his  labors  through  the  Lackawanna  valley,  and 
proceeded  to  Scranton,  where  he  was  met  by  Dr.  A. 
L.  Clark,  who  took  him  in  charge,  arranged  his  meet- 
ings, and  proved  one  of  the  best  and  kindest  of 
friends.  Several  meetings  were  held  in  Scranton, 
and  their  success  was  wonderful.  At  one  of  them, 
Miss  Jennie  Pettie,  a  lady  who  had  suffered  from 
girlhood  through  rum,  spoke  with  such  power  that  the 
audience  was  moved  to  tears. 

Mr.  Dutcher  made  such  a  favorable  impression  in 
this  section  that  invitations  came  from  all  quarters, 
and  he  spoke  in  Hyde  Park,  Providence,  Dalton, 
Wilkesbarre,  and  many  other  towns  in  the  Lackawanna 
and  Wyoming  valleys.  At  this  time  Local  Option 
was  being  brought  before  the  people,  and  Mr.  Dutch- 
er, being  in  favor  of  law  as  well  as  gospel,  gave  this 
measure  his  hearty  support.  Although  a  strong  pro- 
hibitionist, he  argued,  if  there  was  no  compromise 
with  wrong,  better  take  half  a  loaf — if  a  whole  one 
was  not  to  be  had — looking  forward  to  the  time  when 
prohibition  would  become  a  law  of  the  state.  In 
every  town  where  he  spoke  great -excitement  prevail- 
ed, and  in  all  but  two  or  three  of  them  Local  Option 
carried  the  day.  For  four  months  he  battled  for  the 
right  in  that  part  of  Pennsylvania,  and  only  eternity 
will  show  the  good  accomplished. 

One  day,  in  the  midst  of  the  Local  Option  excite- 
ment, Mr.  Dutcher  found  himself  at  a  small  town 


288  THE  R  UMSELLER'S  PRA  YER. 

where  he  had  to  wait  some  time  for  the  train.  Being 
cold  and  hungry,  he  entered  the  only  hotel  in  the 
place  and  ordered  dinner.  Soon  afterward  two  other 
men  came  in  and  took  drinks  of  brandy  at  the  bar. 
At  the  dinner  table  Mr.  Dutcher  found  himself  oppo- 
site the  two  strangers,  whose  conversation  imme- 
diately turned  to  the  Local  Option  topic.  Among 
other  things  one  of  them  said : — 

"  Them  temperance  fellers  are  hard  at  work  and 
that  Dutcher  is  drawing  big  houses.  I  wonder  what 
he  thinks  he  can  do  ;  he  better  go  back  among  the 
pinched-up  Yankees  and  fanatics.  What  can  he  do  if 
he  does  make  the  people  cry  and  vote  Local  Option  ? 
We  have  got  the  money,  and  can  buy  the  legislature. 
Pshaw !  What  does  Dutcher  and  his  crew  amount  to 
by  the  side  of  greenbacks  ?  " 

They  little  thought  that  Dutcher  was  sitting  near 
them,  and  that  they  were  contributing  hugely  to  his 
enjoyment.  When  they  settled  their  bill  one  of 
them  asked  the  bar-tender  if  he  could  pray.  He 
replied  that  he  was  not  very  heavy  in  that  line. 

"  Well,"  said  the  other,  "  My  mother  learned  me  a 
prayer  once ;  all  I  can  remember  of  it  is,  '  Now  I  lay 
me  down  to  sleep.'  Now  you  can  pray  that,  and  add 
to  it  the  prayer  that  we  may  be  successful  in  buying 
up  the  politicians  and  putting  Dutcher  and  those 
infernal  temperance  fanatics  under  our  feet." 

At  this  time  the  Mollie  Maguires  were  very  bold 
and  strong  in  the  mining  districts,  and  in  some  places 
after  a  meeting,  a  hard-looking  crowd  would  congre- 
gate about  the  entrance,  with  a  desire  to  lay  violent 


THE  MOLL  Y  MAG UIRES.  289 

hands  on  the  speaker  plainly  manifest  in  their  rum- 
bloated  features.  These  rough  men  had  not  heard 
the  tender  pleading  words  of  Mr.  Dutcher,  which 
were  calculated  to  soften  their  hearts  and  cause  them 
to  respect  and  love  him ;  consequently  they  were 
ready  and  eager  to  drive  him  out  of  the  country. 

Under  these  circumstances,  it  was  the  custom  for 
several  of  the  gentleman  who  were  strong  both  phy- 
sically and  in  their  love  of  temperance,  to  escort  Mr. 
Dutcher  after  the  meeting  to  the  place  where  he  was 
to  pass  the  night. 

This  bitter  feeling  was  only  made  manifest  upon 
the  first  night  of  his  lecturing  in  a  town ;  for  he  made 
it  his  business  on  the  next  night  he  lectured  to  go  to 
the  door,  and  by  kind  words  fitly  spoken  prevail 
upon  them  to  enter  and  hear  his  address. 

The  effect  of  his  eloquence  upon  these  rough  un- 
tutored men  was  magical ;  with  tears  coursing  down 
their  coal-begrimmed  cheeks,  they  woul'd  rush  in 
scores  up  to  sign  the  pledge. 

At  one  time  some  of  the  hardest  cases  sent  word 
that  if  Mr.  Dutcher  came  to  the  town  where  they 
lived,  they  would  use  him  roughly.  Mr.  Dutcher 
went  to  within  a  mile  of  this  town  and  called  on  a 
gentleman,  who,  with  his  wife  and  daughter,  walked 
with  him  to  the  place  of  meeting ;  and  out  of  res- 
pect to  his  escort  he  was  not  molested.  Every  avail- 
able space  was  occupied,  and  some  of  the  roughest 
men  he  had  ever  seen  sat  before  him.  The  meeting 
was  opened  by  prayer  and  singing,  after  which  our 
friend  arose  and  began  to  speak,  telling  them  he  had 
13 


AMONG  THE  MINERS. 

come  all  the  way  from  Massachusetts  to  do  them 
good;  how  he  had  suffered,  and  his  father  before 
him,  from  cursed  rum ;  of  his  final  redemption  and 
devotion  to  the  cause. 

Long  before  the  close  of  his  address  it  was  evident 
that  these  rough  men  were  greatly  affected,  and  at 
the  close  of  his  remarks  they  came  in  a  surging  mass 
to  sign  the  pledge.  The  acknowledged  ringleader  of 
the  crowd  made  his  way  up  to  Mr.  Dutcher,  and 
grasping  his  hand,  exclaimed  : — "  Mon,  ye  ha  don 
weel ;"  then  he  assured  our  friend  that  he  would  pro- 
tect him  and  that  no  harm  should  come  to  him. 

Three  wild,  hearty  cheers  for  Dutcher  rang  afar 
over  the  hills  at  the  close  of  the  meeting,  and  as  he 
passed  out,  rough  hands  from  every  side  grasped  his, 
and  scores  expressed  their  regard,  and  their  wish  to 
hear  him  again.  As  he  proceeded  to  his  stopping 
place,  many  a  hearty  "  God  bless  you,"  greeted  him 
from  the  following  crowd  of  miners. 

Mr.  Dutcher  found  many  good  friends  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  country,  among  whom  were  several  cler- 
gymen. Galvin  L.  Briggs,  of  Dalton,  invited  him  to 
make  his  house  his  home  while  there ;  and  he  was  so 
kindly  treated  by  him  and  his  noble  Christian  wife, 
that  their  names  are  still  household  words  in  the 
Dutcher  family. 

On  one  occasion,  as  Mr.  Dutcher  was  hurriedly 
changing  cars  at  Pittston  with  a  heavy  valise  in  his 
hand,  he  missed  his  footing  while  attempting  to  get 
on  a  moving  train,  and  was  dragged  for  some  distance 
while  holding  on  to  the  railing  with  only  one  hand. 


ALMOST  AN  ACCIDENT.  291 

Had  he  not  been  discovered  and  assisted  by  others  on 
the  train  he  would  have  been  crushed  beneath  the 
wheels ;  as  it  was,  the  train  had  to  be  stopped  before 
he  was  rescued. 

On  his  way  home  from  Pennsylvania,  Mr.  Dutcher 
stopped  at  Port  Jervis  and  lectured  for  his  friend, 
Rev.  Mr.  Rogers,  one  of  God's  noblemen,  and  was 
also  entertained  there  at  the  beautiful  residence  of 
his  relative,  Judge  Dutcher — a  worthy  gentleman  of 
the  old  school. 

In  March,  1873,  Mr.  Dutcher  was  invited  to  Ware- 
ham,  Mass.,  and  spoke  to  a  large  audience  in  a  man- 
ner which  opened  the  way  for  him  in  Middleboro, 
Sandwich,  Marion,  and  other  towns  in  their  vicinity. 
He  also  spoke  repeatedly  at  South  Boston,  occupying 
the  pulpit  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  an  Universalist  clergy- 
man, who  kindly  invited  him  thither.  He  also  spoke 
on  Sunday  morning  in  Rev.  Mr.  Stratton's  church, 
and  in  other  churches  at  that  place,  and  much  good 
was  done  for  the  temperance  cause. 

Soon  afterwards,  Rev.  Mr.  Stebbins  sent  for  him  to 
speak  in  his  church  in  South  Adams,  Mass.,  where 
he  was  cheered  by  a  full  attendance,  and  the  people 
treated  him  so  kindly  that  he  wrote  home  : — "  South 
Adams  people  are  among  the  most  noble  sons  and 
daughters  of  Adams'  race."  Hon.  Mr.  Plunket  took 
him  by  the  hand  and  said  : — 

"  Go  ahead  brother  Dutcher ;  the  Lord  has  raised 
you  up  for  just  the  work  you  are  engaged  in." 

Mr.  Brown,  of  North  Adams,  a  noble  temperance 
man  and  a  friend  to  the  unfortunate,  invited  Mr. 


292  A  MOTHERS  ONLY  CHILD. 

Dutch er  to  address  the  people  there ;  he  did  so  be- 
fore a  large  audience,  and  left  the  place  with  tokens 
of  their  liberality  and  kindness. 

In  May  and  June  he  lectured  in  Pittsfield  and 
Irving,  Mass.,  and  in  Utica,  Hamilton,  Norwich, 
Middletown  and  other  towns  in  the  Empire  State. 
At  one  place  a  mother  came  to  the  meeting,  and  with 
tears  in  her  eyes  begged  him  to  try  and  do  something 
for  her  son,  her  only  child,  who  was  fast  going  to  his 
grave  through  intemperance.  Mr.  Dutcher  promised 
to  do  all  in  his  power,  and  told  her  to  pray  to  God 
for  her  son,  and  that  his  efforts  for  the  unfortunate 
one  might  meet  with  success. 

On  the  first  attempt  to  see  the  poor  fellow  at  his 
home  he  ran  away  through  the  back  garden  ;  the 
same  result  attended  the  second  visit ;  but  at  the 
third  call  Mr.  Dutcher  caught  him  in  the  garden,  and 
prevailed  upon  him  to  listen  to  his  words.  He  gained 
his  attention  by  relating  his  own  sufferings ;  then 
told  him  how  his  mother  was  praying  for  him,  how 
his  father  suffered  from  his  conduct,  and  asked  him 
to  sign  the  pledge  and  pray  God  to  give  him  strength 
to  keep  it.  Strong  common  sense  and  kind  words 
won  the  young  man  over ;  he  signed  the  pledge,  and 
has  kept  it. 

Mr.  Dutcher  has  revisited  this  young  man  and  his 
parents,  and  been  introduced  to  his  wife  and  child. 
A  happier  family  could  not  be  found. 

How  different  the  scene  from  what  it  would  have 
been  if  the  son  had  persisted  in  his  downward  course  ! 
The  parents,  who  now  gazed  fondly  on  the  group 


THE  RUINED  PROFESSOR.  293 

beside  them,  happy  in  their  children  and  rejoicing  in 
their  son's  felicity,  would  then  have  been  sitting 
childless  and  inconsolable,  lamenting  the  dreadful 
fate  which  had  come  upon  their  darling  only  child 
and  the  overthrow  of  their  own  bright  anticipations. 

One  day,  while  walking  with  a  clergyman,  Mr. 
Butcher  met  a  poor,  trembling  man  evidently  suffer- 
ing the  last  stages  of  misery  caused  by  strong  drink ; 
and  as  he  passed  by  he  grasped  the  inebriate's  hand 
and  spoke  to  him  a  few  words  of  kindness.  "  That 
miserable  drunkard,"  said  the  clergyman,  "  was  for 
years  a  professor  in  a  college  and  possessed  one  of 
the  finest  minds  in  the  country ;  he  has  been  brought 
down  to  this  condition  by  the  serpent  of  the  still." 

Rum  makes  no  distinction  of  person ;  rank  and 
wealth  reel  side  by  side  with  poverty,  disgrace,  crime 
and  degradation  on  the  road  to  ruin. 

At  Ilion,  Philo  Remington  Esq.,  with  many  of  the 
other  leading  men  of  that  place,  listened  to  Mr.  Dutch- 
er's  address  and  were  pleased  to  commend  his  efforts. 
Mr.  R.  showed  him  around  the  beautiful  town,  and 
through  the  renowned  manufactory  of  arms.  On 
leaving,  he  presented  him  with  one  hundred  dollars, 
saying  : — "  We  make  money  to  do  good  with,  and  that 
will  help  you  a  little  in  your  work  of  love." 

Mr.  Dn tcher  next  made  a  tour  through  Northern 
NQW  York,  and  spoke  in  many  churches  to  the  edifi- 
cation of  the  people,  who,  aside  from  the  curse  of 
rum,  appeared  truly  prosperous  and  happy. 


CHAPTEK  III. 

AFTER  Mr.  Butcher's  return  home  from  North- 
ern New  York,  much  exhausted  by  hard  labor, 
his  friend,  Rev.  A.  A.  Wright,  invited  him  to  speak 
in  his  church  ;  and  afterward,  he  occupied  the  pulpit 
of  Rev.  Mr.  Russell's  church  one  Sunday  morning. 
He  also  addressed  a  large  audience  assembled  in  a 
tent  erected  for  worship  by  two  traveling  evangelists. 
Mr.  Wright  preached  in  Leominster  for  three  yearSj 
and  was  the  most  popular  man  that  ever  trod  the 
streets  of  that  town.  The  secret  of  it  was,  he  ever 
had  kind  words  and  smiles  for  all.  When  he  met  Mr. 
Catcher  he  would  grasp  his  hand  and  exclaim  : — 

"  God  bless  you ;  how  goes  the  cause  of  temper- 
ance ?  Go  ahead,  George ;  you  are  right,  and  the 
prayers  of  all  good  men  go  with  you." 

After  recovering  his  strength,  Mr.  Dutcher,  by  in- 
vitation of  Mr.  C.  B.  Travis,  lectured  at  Natick,  Mass. 
Hon.  Henry  Wilson  was  present,  and  gave  him 
many  encouraging  words  as  he  had  often  done  before. 
Said  he  : — "  Mr.  Dutcher,  you  gave  us  a  good  talk  ; 
keep  right  on  as  you  are  going,  and  the  Lord  will 

294: 


EDWARD  H.   UNIAGK.  295 

enable  you  to  accomplish  unlimited  good."  Then 
taking  a  bank  note  from  his  pocket,  he  added: — 
"Take  this,  Mr.  Dutcher;  I  feel  that  I  did  not  give 
enough  in  my  first  contribution."  Soon  afterward 
Mr.  Wilson  sent  to  Mr.  Dutcher  the  following  letter, 
thinking  it  would  be  of  use  to  him  in  some  sections 
of  the  country  : — 

"  To  WHOM  IT  MAY  CONCERN  : — I  take  great  pleasure 
in  commending  George  M.  Dutcher,  as  an  advocate 
of  temperance  worthy  of  public  confidence.  His 
past  experience  and  present  earnestness  combine  to 
render  his  addresses  interesting,  eloquent,  and  effect- 
ive. The  friends  of  the  cause  will  do  well  to  avail 
themselves  of  his  services  whenever  they  can  be 
obtained.  HENRY  WILSON." 

Mr.  Dutcher  first  met  the  lamented  Mr.  Wilson  in 
Boston,  at  the  funeral  of  a  young  man  who  had  for. 
years  maintained  an  almost  superhuman  struggle 
against  his  appetite  for  strong  drink,  and  whose  death 
is  a  sad  warning  to  all,  and  especially  to  reformed 
men  who  think  themselves  secure ;  it  shows  that  one 
who  has  once  tampered  with  the  poisen  is  never  safe 
afterwards,  unless  he  avoid  each  and  every  approach 
to  temptation. 

Many  distinguished  men  were  present  at  the  fune- 
ral of  the  unfortunate  Edward  H.  Uniack.  Mr.  Wil- 
son stood  by  his  lifeless  form  and  said  : — 

"  Here  lies  the  body  of  our  lamented  friend  ;  none 
knew  him  but  to  love  him.  For  years  he  stood  be- 
fore the  public  pleading  for  temperance,  but  has 
finally  fallen.  Never  again  will  his  eloquent  tongue 


296  A  DRUNKARD  RECLAIMED. 

be  heard  warning  others  from  the  path  of  destruction 
upon  which  he  has  himself  been  overwhelmed.  His 
faults  we  will  bury  with  him  iii  the  grave ;  his  vir- 
tues we  will  cherish  in  our  hearts.  Let  us  all  learn  a 
lesson  from  his  untimely  end,  shun  the  trail  of  the 
serpent,  and  hereafter  wage  a  more  determined  war 
against  the  destroyer  of  the  hearts,  homes,  and  honor 
of  our  people." 

In  the  autumn  Mr.  Dutcher  visited  Bethel,  Dan- 
bury,  and  other  towns  in  Connecticut.  He  then  went 
to  New  York  State  and  held  enthusiastic  meetings  in 
Norwich,  Rome,  and  other  places.  In  Buffalo  he 
addressed  the  operatives  of  the  extensive  rolling  mill, 
and  hundreds  of  them  signed  the  pledge.  From 
Buffalo  he  went  to  Ohio,  and  addressed  good  audiences 
in  Cleaveland,  Akron,  Ashtabula,  and  other  towns. 
At  Norwalk  he  was  entertained  by  Hon.  G.  T.  Stew- 
art, the  temperance  candidate  for  governor. 

While  at  a  depot  waiting  for  a  train,  in  this  tour, 
Mr.  Dutcher  noticed  a  poor  drunkard,  and  began 
conversation.  He  learned  that  the  man  had  a  desti- 
tute family  in  a  neighboring  town,  and  that  he  could 
not  go  home  to  them  for  want  of  funds  to  pay  his 
fare,  as  he  had  been  on  a  spree  and  spent  his  last  cent 
for  rum.  Mr.  Dutcher  portrayed  to  him  the  dread- 
ful consequences  of  his  acts,  and  so  influenced  the 
poor  fellow  that  he  wept  and  signed  the  pledge. 
After  giving  him  some  good  advice  he  was  presented 
with  a  ticket  to  take  him  home,  and  they  parted. 
Subsequently  Mr.  Dutcher  had  the  satisfaction  of 
knowing  that  the  man  kept  his  pledge,  joined  a 
church  and  was  in  comfortable  circumstances. 


«  A  LA  WFUL  B  USINESS."  297 

During  the  first  nine  months  of  1874,  Mr.  Dutcher 
labored  in  various  towns  and  cities  in  New  York  and 
Massachusetts,  where  his  services  were  generously 
appreciated  by  the  people.  In  one  town  a  liquor 
dealer  had  recently  sold  rum  to  a  poor  fatherless  boy 
and  spoken  harsh  words  to  his  mother  when  she  beg- 
ged of  him  never  to  do  it  again.  He  also  said  to  her, 
pointing  to  a  printed  paper  hanging  behind  his  bar : — 

"  There  is  my  license ;  I  am  doing  a  lawful  busi- 
ness ;  and  when  a  customer  comes  to  buy,  I  am  not 
going  to  refuse  him." 

Having  heard  of  the  circumstances,  Mr.  Dutcher 
at  his  lecture  placed  the  scene  so  vividly  before  his 
hearers  that  they  resolved  to  prosecute  the  dealer  and 
pledged  ten  thousand  dollars  for  that  purpose. 

In  October,  under  the  direction  of  Ex  Gov.  Myron 
II.  Clark  and  Hon.  Stephen  B.  Ayres,  Mr.  Dutcher 
canvassed  Western  New  York  for  the  Prohibition 
party  of  that  district,  whose  candidate  as  representa- 
tive to  the  27th  Congress  Mr.  Ayres  was.  He  spoke 
night  after  night  to  crowded  houses  with  wonderful 
effect ;  and  his  addresses  were  masterly  and  convinc- 
ing. Mr.  Ayres  was  not  elected,  but  failed  of  success 
by  only  a  few  votes. 

After  the  election  was  over,  Mr.  Dutcher  contin- 
ued his  labor  in  JN  ew  York  for  several  months.  His 
meetings  were  generally  largely  attended,  and  pro- 
ductive of  nmch  good.  At  Fulton  he  met  Mr.  Stow- 
ell,  Grand  Worthy  Secretary  of  the  Grand  Division 
of  the  Sons  of  Temperance,  and  was  by  him  appoint- 
ed deputy  at  large.  At  Medina,  aided  by  Dr. 
13* 


A  TRIP  OUT  WEST. 

Dunns,  a  noble  temperance  man,  he  organized  the 
Sons  of  Temperance. 

From  New  York  Mr.  Dutcher  went  to  Detroit,  and 
spoke  in  three  different  churches  of  that  city.  He 
also  visited  Jacksonville,  Albion,  Hillsdale,  Battle 
Creek,  Hudson,  Ann  Arbor,  Kalamazoo,  and  other 
places  in  Michigan.  While  coming  out  of  a-  church 
one  dark  night,  he  stepped  off  from  the  platform 
and  fell  to  the  sidewalk  beneath,  receiving  a  severe 
injury  which  lamed  him  for  several  weeks.  It  did 
not  however  debar  him  from  his  work.  Night  after 
night  he  stood  before  the  people  sowing  seed  which 
did  not  fall  on  barren  ground.  Many  wanderers 
were  gathered  into  the  fold,  and  a  lasting  impetus 
was  given  to  the  temperance  reform. 

After  making  a  short  visit  to  his  home,  Mr.  Dutcher 
went  to  Elyria,  Ohio,  where  he  was  assisted  by  the 
Jubilee  Singers  of  Fisk  University.  Then  he  went 
to  Chicago,  where  he  spoke  in  Rev.  A.  A.  Parkhurst's 
church  on  Michigan  avenue,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Methodist  Book  Concern.  At  its  close  Bishop  Har- 
ris said  to  him : — "  God  bless  you ;  your  words  did  us 
all  good.  Have  no  fears  for  the  future,  for  the  Lord 
is  with  you,  and  many  will  rise  up  and  call  you 
blessed." 

Invited  by  the  Elgin  Watch  Company  he  then 
went  to  Elgin,  where  all  the  churches  united  in  one 
grand  gathering  to  hear  him.  Hundreds  who  listened 
to  his  stirring  and  eloquent  address  took  him  by  the 
hand  and  wished  him  "  God  speed."  He  also  visited 
many  other  places  in  Illinois,  but  limited  space  will 
not  allow  their  mention. 


HENRY  WILSON'S  SPEECH.  299 

His  labors  now  began  to  wear  upon  him  so  much 
that  he  was  forced  to  give  up  his  engagements  and 
go  home  for  a  rest.  His  letters  during  this  tour 
were  filled  with  words  of  praise  of  the  people  of  the 
West.  He  found  them  more  than  generous,  and  ever 
ready  to  do  all  in  their  power  for  the  good  of  the 
cause. 

During  the  summer  Mr.  Dutcher  made  a  trip  to 
Portland,  Maine ;  and  also  to  Bangor  by  invitation 
of  Mrs.  Grossman,  who,  encouraged  and  assisted  by 
her  husband,  Col.  Grossman,  did  a  great  work  in  alle- 
viating human  suffering  in  prisons  and  abodes  of  pov- 
erty. He  then  went  to  New  Hampshire,  and  then 
to  New  York  State.  At  a  meeting  at  Saratoga 
Springs,  Yice  President  Henry  Wilson  presided,  and 
introduced  Mr.  Dutcher  in  the  following  words : — 

"  Ladies  and  gentlemen — I  am  highly  gratified  to 
witness  such  a  large  audience  on  this  occasion.  For 
my  part  I  can  say  I  never  indulged  in  strong  drink, 
but  thousands  of  our  fellow  citizens  are  chained  down 
as  slaves  to  the  cup  which  maddens  even  unto  death. 
Thousands  of  homes  are  made  desolate  annually,  and 
deserving  women,  brought  down  to  starvation,  are 
forced  to  see  their  little  children  suffer  through  this 
great  evil.  From  my  earliest  childhood  I  have  ab- 
horred and  shunned  this  curse  of  our  race,  and  to  my 
latest  breath  I  shall  do  what  I  can  to  help  fight 
against,  it.  The  gentleman  who  is  about  to  address 
us  can  speak  burning  words  in  witness  against  it 
from  personal  experiences.  For  years  I  have  known 
him  as  a  man  raised  up  by  God  to  battle  against 


300  A  SACRED   OBLIGATION. 

intemperance,  and  I  am  happy  to  introduce  my 
esteemed  friend  arid  brother,  George  M.  Dutcher." 

After  visiting  various  other  towns  in  New  York, 
Mr.  Dutcher  made  a  tour  through  Connecticut,  ad- 
dressing large  audiences  with  good  results. 

At  one  town  a  man  who  had  been  intemperate  for 
years,  came  to  the  meeting  accompanied  by  his  wife, 
who,  with  his  aged  father,  had  often  begged  him  to 
quit  drinking.  Often  had  he  resolved  to  do  so. 
Often  while  recovering  from  a  protracted  spree 
would  he  shed  tears  of  penitence  and  remorse  as  his 
wife  bathed  his  throbbing  temples,  and  he  would 
exclaim  : — "  Oh,  if  I  can  only  live  to  get  over  this 
I  will  never  drink  again."  But  his  resolves  had 
proved  weak  as  a  bar  of  sand  ;  the  dreadful  appetite 
still  ruled  him  and  held  full  sway  over  his  weakened 
will. 

As  this  man  sat  in  the  church  and  listened  to  Mr. 
Dutcher's  tender  appeals  he  was  greatly  affected ;  and 
when  the  lecturer  spoke  of  redemption  from  strong 
drink  through  God's  unbounded  mercy,  he  again  re- 
solved to  reform,  and  prayed  to  God  to  give  him 
strength  to  do  so.  After  the  lecture  was  over,  the 
man's  faithful  wife  went  up  to  the  platform  and  re- 
quested Mr.  Dutcher  to  call  at  their  house.  He  did 
so,  and  was  taken  into  the  husband's  store,  where 
after  some  conversation  both  the  man  and  his  part- 
ner signed  the  pledge  on  the  head  of  a  barrel.  This 
pledge  the  man  had  framed  and  hung  up  in  a  con- 
spicuous place  in  his  house,  that  he  might  often  be 
reminded  of  his  sacred  obligation.  At  a  subsequent 


AT  RICHMOND,  VIRGINIA.  301 

visit  to  the  town,  Mr.  Dutcher  found  his  friend  the 
proprietor  of  a  temperance  hotel,  and  there  was  no 
happier  family  in  the  state. 

Being  invited  by  JST.  13.  Broughton,  G.  W.  G.  T. 
of  North  Carolina  to  visit  that  state,  Mr.  Dutcher 
started  southward  early  in  December.  At  Eich- 
mond,  Yirginia,  he  was  induced  to  halt  in  his  jour- 
ney, and  the  churches  and  temperance  societies  there 
gave  him  a  very  kind  and  flattering  reception  which 
he  gratefully  remembers.  His  audiences  were  sympa- 
thetic and  generous.  With  much  reluctance  he  left 
the  beautiful  city  to  continue  his  journey. 

While  walking  in  Richmond  one  day,  during  his 
stay  there,  Mr.  Dutcher  met  a  poor  drinking  man, 
and,  as  is  his  custom,  took  him  by  the  hand.  "  Dear 
brother,"  said  he,  "I  am  so  sorry  for  you.  My 
heart  aches  for  you.  Will  you  not  come  to  the  tem- 
perance meeting  and  give  up  drink  ?  Come  brother ; 
shake  off  the  slavish  chains  and  ask  the  Lord  to 
help  you."  The  poor  creature  replied  with  quiver- 
ing lips : — 

"  Sir ;  I  had  as  good  a  father  and  mother  as  ever 
lived ;  when  they  died  they  left  me  sixteen  thousand 
dollars.  I  have  squandered  it  all  for  rum,  and  am 
now  in  poverty  and  rags.  I  am  obliged  to  tramp  the 
streets  and  live  sometimes  on  one  meal  a  day,  with 
no  hope  of  a  better  condition — no  friends  to  sympa- 
thize with  me  in  my  terrible  sufferings."  Mr.  Dutch- 
er told  him  to  pray  for  strength  and  attend  the  meet- 
ing that  night ;  and  he  promised  to  do  so. 

While  speaking  that  evening,  Mr.  Dutcher  noticed 


A  TOUR  THROUGH  NORTH  CAROLINA. 

the  man  sitting  near  the  door ;  and  when  an  invita- 
tion was  given  for  all  to  stand  up  who  would  sign  the 
pledge,  he  arose  with  others.  Mr.  Dutcher  subse- 
quently helped  him  sufficiently  to  enable  him  to  ap- 
pear respectably  in  public,  interested  others  in  his 
behalf,  and  with  brotherly  advice  left  him  hopeful 
and  happy. 

At  Ealeigh,  Mr.  Dutcher  was  met  by  Mr.  Brough- 
ton,  who  with  the  Grand  Worthy  Secretary  arranged 
his  meetings  in  the  state.  He  spoke  several  times 
in  the  Capitol  at  Ealeigh,  to  interested  audiences. 
His  subsequent  trip  through  the  state  was  a  perfect 
ovation.  The  people  nocked  from  many  miles  away 
to  hear  him,  and  in  some  places  remote  from  railroads, 
where  Northern  men  were  seldom  seen,  he  was  con- 
sidered quite  a  curiosity.  He  was  everywhere  kindly 
treated  by  the  people  he  came  in  contact  with.  Many 
members  were  added  to  the  Good  Templars  through 
his  labors,  and  the  temperance  people  were  aroused 
to  greater  efforts  which  have  since  caused  much  last- 
ing good.  It  was  with  many  wishes  for  the  prosper- 
ity of  the  people  of  the  "  Sunny  South,"  that  he  left 
them  and  returned  to  his  home.  While  in  Ealeigh 
he  received  two  letters  of  introduction  to  the  South- 
ern people  ;  they  were  as  follows  :— 

"  EICHMOND,  YIKGINIA,  Dec.  28th,  1875. 

The  bearer  of  this  letter,  George  Milo  Dutcher, 
preached  for  me  yesterday  (Sunday)  at  11  A.  M.  His 
discourse  was  very  impressive;  I  regard  it  as  the 
most  effective  temperance  sermon  I  ever  heard.  Many 
an  eye  unused  to  weeping  was  wet  with  tears  while 


LETTERS  OF  INTRODUCTION.  303 

he  told  the  story  of  his  own  reform,  and  spoke  of 
the  grace  of  God.  Brother  Dutcher  is  making  a  tour 
of  the  Southern  States  on  his  mission.  I  take  great 
pleasure  in  commending  him  to  our  people.  He  pos- 
sesses my  confidence,  my  earnest  sympathies,  and  my 
prayers  for  the  Divine  blessing  on  his  noble  work. 
Very  truly,  S.  A.  STEEL, 

Pastor  Broad  St.,  Meth.  Church,  Ya.  Conf.,  M.  E. 
Church,  South. 

KICHMOND,  Dec.  21st,  1875. 

Brother  Dutcher  delivered  a  lecture  in  my  church 
last  Sunday  night  to  a  large  audience ;  and  I  am  sure 
that  no  lecture  was  ever  more  highly  appreciated  in 
this  city,  or  made  a  more  lasting  impression  for  good. 
He  speaks  with  a  power,  a  pathos,  and  an  eloquence 
which  is  thrilling ;  drawing  his  most  telling  illustra- 
tions from  his  own  previous  sad  life  history.  I  com- 
mend him  to  the  hearts  and  homes  of  all  God's  peo- 
ple, and  especially  to  my  brethren  in  the  ministry. 
By  all  means  secure  his  services,  and  let  him  tell  his 
story  to  your  audiences.  No  sermon  ever  preached 
in  this  city  has  done  more  good  than  the  lecture  of 
Brother  Dutcher.  Fraternally, 

A.  C.  BLEDSOE, 

Pastor  of  Trinity  M.  E.  Church,  South,  Eichmond, 
Ya. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

DURING  the  year  1876,  Mr.  Butcher's  labors  were 
scattered  over  New  England,  New  York,  New 
Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Ohio.  He  was  invited  to 
New  York  City  in  January  by  Rev.  Dr.  Clark,  and 
lectured  in  his  church  on  27th  street,  and  in  churches 
in  Brooklyn.  Thence  he  went  to  Eastern  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  to  Newton,  Dover,  and  other  towns  in 
New  Jersey. 

At  one  place  in  New  Jersey  while  walking  to  the 
church  where  he  was  to  speak,  he  noticed  just  in 
front  of  him  a  small  boy  who  was  leading  an  intem- 
perate man.  "  Come  father,"  pleaded  the  little  fel- 
low, half  crying,  "  throw  away  that  bottle ;  you 
know  mother  don't  want  to  have  you  bring  any  rum 
home ;  please  pa,  won't  you  throw  it  away  ? " 

Soon  afterward  as  they  carne  opposite  the  church 
the  boy  exclaimed  in  an  excited  tone : — 

"  Pa,  please  go  into  the  temperance  meeting ;  do 
go  in  pa."  Then  he  added,  bursting  into  tears — 
"  What  makes  you  drink  rum  to  make  me  cry  and 
mother  suffer  so  much  ?  " 

304 


A  DEMORALIZED  BOTTLE.  305 

The  poor  man's  heart  was  touched  by  these  tender 
reproachful  words,  and  he  staggered  up  the  steps. 
As  he  reached  the  top  step  he  drew  from  his  pocket 
a  bottle  containing  rum,  and  after  gazing  at  it  for  a 
moment  he  dashed  it  down  on  the  pavement  below. 
He  then  entered  the  church,  and  after  listening  to 
the  speaker's  kind  appeals,  signed  the  pledge,  and 
departed  with  his  now  happy  boy  to  his  desolate 
home,  to  turn  it  into  what  seemed  a  Paradise  to  those 
who  had  been  so  long  cursed  by  a  drunken  husband 
and  father. 

From  New  Jersey  Mr.  Dutcher  went  to  several 
towns  in  Connecticut,  and  at  Moosup  he  visited  his 
old  friend,  Rev.  Mr.  Ellis.  Thence  he  went  to 
"Western  New  York,  and  to  Clifton  and  Branford, 
Ontario,  where  he  was  very  kindly  received.  He 
entertains  a  high  regard  for  the  people  in  this  part 
of  the  Queen's  Dominion. 

At  Suspension  Bridge  he  found  a  valued  friend  in 
Eev.  Mr.  Bennett.  As  the  two  were  walking  out  one 
day,  a  man  under  the  influence  of  liquor  came  out 
of  a  bar-room,  and  in  an  abrupt  manner  invited  them 
to  take  a  drink.  They  declined,  saying  that  they 
never  drank  liquor  but  were  temperance  men. 

By  this  time  several  others  had  emerged  from  the 
saloon  and  clustered  around  to  hear  the  talk.  Mr. 
Bennett  told  them  that  he  was  a  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel, and  Mr.  Dutcher  was  a  reformed  man  and  a  tem- 
perance lecturer,  who  was  trying  to  do  good  to  those 
who  drank  intoxicating  liquors.  At  this  one  of  the 
men  exclaimed : — 


306  4-D  VENTURES  IN  A  RUM  SHOP. 

"  We  dare  you  both  to  come  inside  and  sit  down." 

The  rather  rough  invitation  was  accepted,  and  they 
entered  the  bar-room,  followed  by  the  eager,  laughing 
men  who  anticipated  considerable  fun  at  their  ex- 
pense. Behind  the  counter  stood  the  proprietor, 
while  several  customers  were  lounging  about  and 
drinking.  The  two  strangers  shook  hands  with  all 
in  the  room,  saying : — 

"  Well  brothers,  how  do  you  do  ?  We  are  your 
friends  although  we  don't  drink." 

"  Pshaw  "  !  said  one,  "  come  on  and  take  a  drink  ; 
'twill  do  you  good  ! " 

"  Sthop  yer  timperance  blather,"  exclaimed  a  son 
of  the  Emerald  Isle,  "  an  take  a  gude  dhrink  o'  the 
crayther ;  yees  will  be  able  to  judge  much  better  o' 
the  vartues  o'  the  same,  wid  a  small  smither  in  yer 
stomachs." 

"  Cume  up  mine  frints,"  cried  a  G-erman  "  and  thry 
vun  chuners  of  bier,  und  you'll  feel  much  better  as 
goot." 

Finding  their  hospitable  invitations  all  declined 
they  next  insisted  upon  a  speech  from  the  temperance 
man.  Mr.  Bennett  suggested  that  before  hearing 
Brother  Dutcher's  remarks  it  would  be  well  to  kneel 
down  and  pray.  Down  went  the  whole  crowd  upon 
their  knees,  and  Mr.  Bennett  prayed  to  God  so  elo- 
quently and  earnestly  for  the  poor  victims  of  drink, 
that  tears  came  into  the  eyes  of  some  present  and 
others  called  aloud  for  mercy.  After  the  prayer  Mr. 
Butcher  spoke  for  nearly  half  an  hour.  When  he 
had  finished  many  were  sobbing  like  children,  and  one 
man  exclaimed  earnestly : — 


THE  CENTENNIAL  REFORMERS.  3Q7 

"  Boys,  I  have  drank  my  last  glass — no  more  rum 
for  me.  This  is  the  turning  point  in  my  life.  To- 
day my  wife  and  children  begged  me  not  to  come 
here,  but  in  vain.  I  went  out  on  the  sidewalk  to 
make  sport  of  these  good  men,  but  my  laughter  was 
turned  to  tears.  Thank  God  for  this  hour !  "  "Amen," 
was  the  general  response. 

A  hymn  was  then  sung,  and  after  receiving  an 
invitation  to  attend  the  temperance  meeting  that 
night  at  Mr.  Bennett's  church,  the  audience  dispersed  ; 
most,  or  all  of  these  men  attended  the  meeting  and 
signed  the  pledge,  as  did  many  others  who  were 
influenced  by  them  to  do  so ;  among  the  number  who 
signed  was  the  leading  hotel  proprietor  in  the  town. 

Visiting  Lockport,  where  the  temperance  cause  was 
at  a  low  ebb,  Mr.  Dutcher,  with  the  co-operation  of 
the  clergymen,  succeeded  in  creating  quite  an  inter- 
est, and  a  society  of  "  Centennial  Reformers "  was 
organized  with  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  members ; 
since  then  this  number  has  been  increased  to  nearly 
one  thousand. 

In  June  he  was  again  in  New  York  City,  making 
his  home  while  there  at  the  house  of  his  friend  David 
Kilmer  whom  he  had  known  in  his  boyhood  days. 
He  also  lectured  at  Staten  Island,  Brooklyn,  Jersey 
City,  and  at  the  Inebriate  Asylum  at  Fort  Hamilton. 
While  speaking  one  Sunday  afternoon  in  the  Erie 
railroad  depot  at  Jersey  City,  he  was  so  overcome  by 
the  intense  heat  that  he  was  obliged  to  return  to  his 
own  home  ;  he  was  unable  to  do  any  work  for  seve- 
ral weeks,  and  feels  the  effects  thereof  to  this  day. 


308  -4  WIFE'S  REQUEST. 

Resuming  his  work  he  again  went  to  Ohio,  at  the 
call  of  two  clergymen,  and  spoke  to  large  and  inter- 
ested audiences  in  churches  at  Cleveland,  Mount 
Yernon,  Mansfield,  etc.  At  East  Cleveland  he  and 
his  son,  who  accompanied  him  on  this  trip,  were  en- 
tertained at  the  house  of  his  highly  esteemed  friend, 
A.  E.  Bradley.  Georgie  remained  in  the  family  for 
a  considerable  time  while  his  father  was  traveling  in 
Ohio,  and  both  father  and  son  feel  under  many  obli- 
gations to  the  JBradleys. 

"While  in  Cleveland,  at  the  close  of  a  meeting,  a 
poor  woman  came  to  Mr.  Dutcher  and  begged  him  to 
see  her  husband  and  try  to  influence  him  to  reform. 
"  I  fear  1  am  asking  too  much,"  she  said,  "  but  he  is 
a  poor  drunkard,  and  although  he  promised  me  this 
morning  that  he  would  go  to  your  meeting,  he  went 
oif  and  began  to  drink  again.  Mr.  Dutcher  replied 
that  it  would  be  a  pleasure  as  well  as  his  duty  to 
accede  to  her  request. 

The  next  morning  he  called  at  her  house  and  found 
the  husband  at  home  and  in  great  distress  of  mind. 
"  What  a  wretch  I  am,"  he  exclaimed ;  "  what  shall  I 
do  ?  I  wrish  I  was  dead."  Then  springing  to  his 
feet  he  paced  the  floor  impatiently,  and  with  upturn- 
ed eyes  cried  out  in  utter  despair,  "  No  hope,  no  hope 
for  me."  His  poor  wife  stood  by  him  sobbing  con- 
vulsively, but  after  a  while  she  induced  him  to  sit 
down  and  listen  to  the  visitor. 

Mr.  Dutcher  told  him  that  there  was  hope  for  him  ; 
that  God  was  ready  and  willing  to  save  the  worst  sin- 
ner that  ever  lived,  if  that  sinner  looked  to  Him  with 


CONTRITION  AND  THANKFULNESS.  3Q9 

sincere  repentance.  He  told  him  that  he  too  had 
been  a  slave  of  the  intoxicating  cup,  and  how  the 
Lord  had  saved  him.  Then  he  drew  a  pledge  from 
his  pocket  and  laid  it  on  the  table  before  him.  With 
his  hand  upon  the  shoulder  of  the  inebriate  he  then 
called  upon  the  Lord  to  bless  and  strengthen  the 
poor  sufferer  that  he  might  sign  the  pledge  and  be- 
come a  Christian.  The  wife  also  joined  in  the  sup- 
plications; and  her  earnest  pleadings,  seconded  by 
Mr.  Butcher's  efforts  prevailed  ;  the  poor  man  raised 
his  eyes  heavenward  as  if  asking  for  strength  to  bat- 
tle with  his  craving  appetite — then  grasped  the  pen 
and  signed  the  pledge. 

With  a  hurried  "  God  bless  you,"  Mr.  Dutcher 
softly  left  the  room,  and  as  he  turned  to  close  the 
door  saw  a  sight  which  amply  repaid  him  the  trouble 
of  calling,  and  brought  a  sympathetic  tear  to  his  eye. 
The  man  and  wife  were  clasped  in  each  others  arms, 
while  tears  of  contrition  and  thankfulness  coursed 
down  their  cheeks. 

Mr.  Dutcher  saw  this  couple  again  the  next  day, 
and  by  mutual  arrangement  the  woman  started  for 
her  girlhood's  home  in  Ballston  Spa,  E".  Y.,  leaving 
her  husband  with  Mr.  Dutcher,  who  kindly  cared  for 
him,  took  him  with  him  to  neighboring  towns  where 
he  lectured,  and  to  Leominster,0Mass.  when  he  re- 
turned thither.  After  a  sojourn  of  several  weeks  at 
the  home  of  the  Dutchers,  this  reformed  man  turned 
out  an  eloquent  temperance  lecturer.  He  rejoined 
his  wife,  and  many  pleasant  things  could  be  related 
of  their  life  since  then  if  space  would  permit. 


CHAPTEK  V. 

IN  the  spring  of  1877  Mr.  Butcher  contemplated 
making  a  second  tour  in  the  Southern  States,  and 
after  giving  several  lectures  in  Massachusetts,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  our  National  Capital  where  he  halted  for  a 
season. 

Here  he  lectured  for  the  Ladies'  Temperance  Union, 
and  at  a  general  union  meeting  of  all  the  temper- 
ance organizations  in  Washington,  and  met  with  nat- 
tering success  in  gaining  signers  for  the  pledge.  He 
was  invited  to  prolong  his  stay  in  the  city,  but  as 
there  was  an  extensive  revival  of  religion  there  at 
the  time  he  thought  it  not  advisable  to  do  so.  He 
also  gave  up  the  idea  of  going  any  farther  south,  as 
the  change  in  the  climate  seemed  already  to  have 
affected  his  health. 

It  was  in  rather  a  desponding  state  of  mind  that 
our  friend  took  his  seat  in  a  homeward  bound  car ; 
but  the  prospect  of  'soon  meeting  his  loved  ones  from 
whom  he  was  forced  to  be  absent  so  much,  soon  drove 
away  all  feelings  of  dejection.  The  train  rolled 
swiftly  on,  and  at  length  came  to  a  stop  at  "Wilming- 
ton, Delaware. 

310 


A  HASTY  IMPULSE.  311 

Now  Mr.  Butcher  had  no  more  interest  in  "Wil- 
mington than  in  any  other  town  or  city  through 
which  his  route  lay  ;  but  the  bright  eyes  and  cheery 
voice  of  a  neatly -clad  newsboy  attracted  his  notice, 
and  he  roused  himself  and  bought  a  copy  of  the 
Daily  Republican,  as  much  to  encourage  the  gentle- 
manly lad  as  for  any  other  reason.  Other  venders  of 
news  with  the  bold  swagger  of  street  Arabs  had  been 
through  the  cars  but  failed  to  secure  his  custom. 
Upon  what  trifling  things  do  important  events  depend, 
and  how  are  our  lives  influenced  and  changed  thereby ! 

On  unfolding  the  newspaper  the  first  item  which 
met  Mr.  Dutcher's  eye  was  an  announcement  of  a 
temperance  meeting.  By  a  hasty  impulse  he  seized 
his  baggage,  and  had  just  time  to  get  off  from  the 
car  as  the  train  was  moving.  In  the  waiting  room  of 
the  depot  he  perused  the  temperance  item,  and 
learned  that  meetings  conducted  by  Major  George 
W.  Wells  of  Wilmington  had  been  held  for  several 
nights. 

Mr.  Dutcher  lost  no  time  in  calling  on  Major 
Wells  at  his  residence  on  Delaware  avenue ;  and  on 
introducing  himself  and  presenting  his  credentials  in 
the  shape  of  letters  from  many  prominent  men 
throughout  the  country,  was  cordially  received  and 
made  a  welcome  guest  by  the  Major  and  his  estima- 
ble and  accomplished  wife  and  daughters.  He  was 
invited  to  attend  the  meeting  that  evening  and  to 
make  an  address. 

Temperance  was  then  at  a  low  ebb  in  Wilmington, 
and  only  about  one  hundred  persons  were  present  at 


312  THE  WILMINGTON  REVIVAL. 

this  meeting.  Nevertheless,  the  speaker  exerted 
himself  to  make  the  occasion  an  interesting  one,  and 
succeeded.  His  hearers  were  electrified,  and  spread 
among  their  acquaintances  most  favorable  reports  of 
the  stranger  advocate  of  temperance. 

The  next  night  Mr.  Dutcher  spoke  again  in  the 
same  place  and  to  a  much  larger  audience ;  he  gave 
out  as  his  platform  : — "  God  my  Father  ;  Christ  my 
Redeemer  ;  and  man  my  brother." 

From  that  time  the  success  of  the  cause  in  Wil- 
mington seemed  assured.  The  audiences  and  the 
interest  in  the  meetings  increased  nightly,  and  nearly 
all  classes  of  citizens  seemed  anxious  to  aid  in  push- 
ing on  the  work.  Not  only  did  poor  homeless  wan- 
derers and  destitute  drunkards  stagger  up  to  the 
platform  to  sign  the  pledge,  but  men  of  intelligence, 
wealth  and  high  social  position  signed  also,  side  by 
side  with  their  more  unfortunate  brothers.  Fathers, 
husbands,  sons  and  brothers  recorded  their  names, 
while  wives,  daughters,  sisters  and  sweethearts  cheered 
them  on  and  smiled  approvingly.  Noble  women — 
some  of  them  occupying  the  highest  positions  in 
society — came  into  the  meetings  leading  unfortunates 
to  sign  the  pledge,  amid  thunders  of  applause  from 
the  audience.  Often  when  some  hard-looking  peni- 
tent man  was  writing  his  name,  shouts  of  "  Glory  !  " 
"  Glory  Hallelujah ! "  and  songs  of  praise  and  thanks- 
giving were  heard  afar  off  in  the  streets  of  the  city. 
Prayers  too  were  offered  at  intervals ;  and  when  the 
services  closed,  at  10  p.  M.,  the  people  seemed  unwill- 
ing to  depart. 


VICTIMS  OF  INTEMPERANCE.  313 

At  the  close  of  the  meetings  Mr.  "Williams,  who 
had  been  appointed  secretary,  took  the  poor  and  home- 
less men  to  the  Friendly  Inn,  where  food  and  lodg- 
ings were  provided  for  them  by  the  noble-hearted 
people  of  Wilmington.  A  call  for  cast-off  clothing 
made  by  Mr.  Dutcher  was  liberally  responded  to. 
Kind,  benevolent  ladies  and  others  came  loaded  down 
with  garments,  and  an  extensive  wardrobe  was  estab- 
lished where  the  ragged  and  tattered  victims  of  in- 
temperance were  transformed  into  decent-looking 
personages. 

Mr.  Dutcher  was  on  the  platform  alone  for  several 
evenings ;  then  he  invited  one  of  the  reformed  men 
up  with  him,  and  induced  him  to  tell  the  audience  his 
experiences.  The  next  night  he  had  two  of  the  men 
with  him,  and  he  increased  the  number  every  night 
until  a  hundred  or  more  of  them  occupied  the  plat- 
form. At  first  these  men  could  say  but  a  few  inco- 
herent words,  but  eventually  many  of  them  became 
fluent  speakers  and  assisted  much  in  interesting  the 
people  and  helping  on  the  reform.  They  related 
many  novel  and  pathetic  incidents  connected  with 
their  drinking  experiences,  and  frequently,  as  they 
spoke,  the  vast  congregation  would  be  moved  to  tears, 
and  shouts  of  "  God  bless  you  "  would  ring  through 
the  hall.  One  talented  but  degraded  man  said : — 

"  My  two  children  are  with  their  darling  mother ;" 
then  raising  his  eyes  and  hands  heavenward,  he  con- 
tinued : — "  My  dear  children,  your  father  will  meet 
you  in  Heaven.  Mary,  my  dear  wife,  I  will  meet 
you  again.  This  moment  I  seem  to  hear  these  dear 

14: 


314:  PATHETIC  INCIDENT. 

ones,  who  loved  me  with  all  my  disgraceful  faults, 
saying  in  glory,  <  Papa,  dear  papa,  come  home.'  Pray 
for  me  that  I  may  meet  them  in  that  bright  world." 

During  the  day  it  was  the  custom  of  Messrs  Wells 
and  Dutcher  to  visit  the  homes  of  poor  and  wretched 
drunkards  and  persuade  them  to  attend  the  meetings 
and  sign  the  pledge.  One  day  they  found  down  at 
Christiana  river,  a  poor  drunkard  who  seemed  nearly 
dead.  They  roused  him  up,  brought  him  to  the  city, 
and  got  him  to  sign  the  pledge.  As  he  was  in  a  de- 
plorable condition,  they  then  took  him  to  the  hospital 
and  visited  him  till  he  recovered.  He  proved  to  be 
a  talented  man,  and  made  some  very  effective  speech- 
es ;  in  one  of  them  he  said : — 

"  I  broke  the  heart  of  my  wife — one  of  the  noblest 
of  God's  creatures.  I  know  she  is  now  in  Heaven, 
and  I  hope  and  pray  that  my  sins  may  be  forgiven, 
and  that  I  may  have  the  strength  to  so  live  in  the 
future  that  I  may  go  to  her  when  I  leave  this  world 
of  sin  and  temptation." 

Another  man,  well-educated  and  a  member  of  a 
wealthy  family,  who  was  brought  in  by  Major  Wells, 
said: — 

"  I  have  for  years  been  the  victim  of  strong  drink. 
What  can  I  do  to  be  saved  ?  I  hear  my  little  daugh- 
ter ask  at  night,  '  Has  papa  come  home,  and  is  he 
drunk  ? '  Then  bursting  into  tears  he  exclaimed  : — 
"  0  my  little  darling !  is  it  possible  she  has  a  drunkard 
for  a  father  ? "  Shaking  like  an  aspen,  and  with  tears 
dropping  freely  upon  the  paper,  he  signed  the  pledge, 
and  the  scene  was  so  affecting  that  neither  Mr.  Dutch- 
er or  Major  Wells  could  refrain  from  weeping. 


THE  COMMON  ENEMY.  315 

On  the  16th  of  April,  after  a  spirited  address  by 
Mr.  Butcher,  the  Moral  Suasion  Reform  League  was 
organized  with  Nelson  J.  Lee  as  president.  This 
association  was  wholly  made  up  of  men  who  had 
been  slaves  to  drink,  who  proposed  to  stand  by  each 
other,  guard  each  other's  interest,  and  make  war  on 
the  common  enemy — rum  and  rum-sellers.  Of  this 
society  more  will  be  said  further  on. 

The  clergymen  of  the  city  took  turns  in  inviting 
the  reformed  men  to  attend  divine  service  on  Sun- 
days, and  marshalled  in  military  style  and  with  their 
hymn  books  in  their  hands,  they  would  inarch  to 
church  and  occupy  front  seats  of  the  middle  aisle. 

During  both  the  week-day  and  evening  meetings 
singing  was  interspersed  with  other  exercises ;  Mr. 
Wm.  C.  Pickles  was  the  leader  thereof,  while  Miss 
Eva  Crouch,  Miss  Ella  Pickles  and  other  persons  con- 
tributed their  talents. 

About  this  time  I  received  at  Leominster  man^ 
letters  and  telegrams  requesting  Mr.  Butcher's  ser- 
vices at  different  places,  and  notified  him  of  these 
calls.  His  replies  to  me  were  all  about  as  follows : — 
"  Great  revival  here;  impossible  for  me  to  getaway." 
In  fact  I  could  get  no  decided  answer  as  to  the  prob- 
able date  of  his  return,  although  there  was  sickness 
in  his  family  and  his  wife  was  anxious  to  have  him  at 
home.  At  one  time  he  wrote  to  me : — 

"  I  cannot  leave  the  reformed  men  or  loose  the 
chance  of  gathering  others  into  the  temperance  fold. 
The  harvest  is  ripe,  and  I 'must  reap  before  storms 
arise  and  the  whirlwinds  of  intemperance  dash  the 


316  A  SYMPATHETIC  AUDIENCE. 

thousands  of  poor  inebriates  in  this  city  into  the  vor- 
tex of  destruction." 

The  interest  had  now  increased  so  much  that  the 
City  Hall  would  not  hold  all  the  people  who  went  to 
the  meetings,  and  Institute  Hall  was  hired  and  packed 
to  overflowing  every  night.  People  of  all  nationali- 
ties thronged  thither,  and  even  sailors  from  foreign 
ports  left  their  vessels  to  swell  the  crowd.  The  news 
of  the  great  reform  began  to  spread  over  the  country, 
and  drinking  men  came  from  long  distances  to  enroll 
their  names  on  the  Wilmington  Roll  of  Honor. 

The  noonday  prayer  meetings  which  were  started 
about  this  time  were  largely  attended,  and  at  times 
the  emotions  and  sympathies  of  the  audience  were 
greatly  excited.  One  day,  after  a  man  had  told  of 
his  sufferings  from  the  use  of  liquor  in  a  way  that 
particularly  touched  his  hearers,  Mr.  Du  tcher  arose 
to  speak  but  was  so  deeply  affected  that  he  could  not 
utter  a  word  for  some  time.  At  last  he  said  in  a 

* 

subdued  voice : — 

"  Dear  friends,  I  cannot  speak ;  my  emotions  choke 
me.  But  one  thing  I  can  do  which  is  more  in  accord 
with  my  feelings;  I  can  cry."  A  gentleman  then 
tried  to  pray,  but  broke  completely  down ;  and  the 
meeting  ended  without  further  words,  the  people 
grasping  each  others'  hands  in  deep  sympathy  as  they 
passed  out. 

The  interest  in  the  temperance  meetings  still 
spread,  and  at  last  even  the  capacious  Opera  House 
was  not  large  enough  to  contain  the  crowds  WT!IO 
rushed  to  them.  On  one  occasion  when  three  thous- 


ALMOST  A  PANIC.  317 

and  people  were  packed  into  this  building,  with  crowds 
outside  eager  to  get  in  but  unable  to  do  so,  there 
occurred  a  scene  of  intense  and  dangerous  excite- 
ment. Without  warning,  the  crowd  of  people  who 
were  near  the  doors  and  on  the  edge  of  the  audience 
in  the  balcony  and  orchestra,  with  sudden  impulse 
sprang  forward,  and  in  a  confused  mass  surged  out  of 
the  main  entrance  to  the  street.  At  the  same  mo- 
ment a  young  man  rushed  into  the  office  of  the  man- 
ager exclaiming : — 

"  There's  a  fire  in  the  cellar !  Do  something  for 
God's  sake." 

Then  amid  the  noise  and  tumult  of  a  great  mass  of 
people  in  confusion,  was  heard  the  crashing  of  win- 
dow glass  and  the  heart-rending  scream  of  a  poor 
woman  who  had  been  thrown  down.  One  woman 
mounted  on  a  chair  and  cried  out — "  Prepare  to  meet 
thy  God."  Other  women  fainted ;  some  leaped  from 
the  balcony  circle  windows  to  the  ground ;  and,  alto- 
gether, several  were  severely  injured. 

Luckily  the  panic  did  not  extend  to  the  great  body 
of  the  audience.  Mr.  Butcher,  from  the  stage,  exert- 
ed himself  greatly  to  quell  the  fears  of  the  people, 
and  other  gentlemen  by  their  calm  and  self-possessed 
words  and  actions  aided  in  restoring  order.  A  great 
calamity  was  however  narrowly  averted. 

At  the  first  alarm  Mr.  Baylies,  the  manager,  rushed 
to  the  cellar,  and  there  found  a  smouldering  fire  in  a 
small  pile  of  sacking,  the  smoke  from  which,  issuing 
from  the  center  register  in  the  audience  room,  had 
caused  the  alarm.  On  examination  the  fire  was  found 


318  -4  TEMPERANCE  GALA  DAT. 

to  have  been  the  work  of  an  incendiary.  A  man  had 
been  seen  entering  the  cellar,  and  he  was  subsequent- 
ly arrested,  but  no  positive  proof  against  him  could 
be  obtained. 

The  alarm  of  fire  spread  over  the  city,  and  the  fire 
department  and  immense  crowds  of  people  were 
quickly  on  hand ;  but  the  danger  was  already  over, 
and  the  exercises  of  the  meeting  were  resumed  be- 
fore an  audience  undiminished  in  numbers. 

As  the  Fourth-of-July  drew  near,  the  temperance 
people  of  Wilmington  arranged  for  a  grand  picnic  at 
Riddle's  Grove,  on  the  beautiful  banks  of  the  Brandy- 
wine  ;  and  when  it  came  off,  five  thousand  persons 
participated  in  the  festivities  of  the  occasion.  Music, 
dancing  and  speaking  were  among  the  recreations 
indulged  in  ;  and  the  bountiful  and  elegant  repast 
prepared  by  the  noble  temperance  ladies  of  Wilming- 
ton could  not  be  outdone.  It  was  a  temperance  gala 
day — a  day  of  rejoicings  over  the  greatest  and  most 
successful  temperance  awakening  ever  known,  al- 
though still  gaining  in  strength  and  influence. 

Besides  the  Moral  Suasion  Reform  Association  sev- 
eral other  organizations  also  sprung  up  in  Wilming- 
ton, some  of  them  branches  of  the  original,  among 
which  are  the  "  Alliance  and  Gospel ; "  all  of  them 
have  done  great  good  and  must  have  a  share  of  our 
commendation. 


CHAPTEE  VI. 

WE  have  seen  thus  far  some  of  the  great  results 
which  followed  the  accidental  purchase  of  a 
newspaper ;  another  extensive  reform,  in  a  foreign 
country,  was  destined  to  spring  up  in  as  unexpected  a 
manner. 

While  some  of  the  incidents  related  in  the  last 
chapter  were  transpiring,  Captain  Joseph  Biirrell  of 
Yarmouth,  Nova  Scotia,  happened  to  put  into  Wil- 
mington for  the  purpose  of  repairing  his  vessel,  and 
in  one  of  his  walks  about  the  city  he  came  within 
hearing  of  Mr.  Catcher's  voice  as  he  pleaded  for  the 
temperance  cause.  On  entering  the  hall  where  the 
meetings  were  held  he  became  much  interested  in  the 
speaker  and  his  subject. 

Subsequently,  Captain  Burrell  attended  the  meet- 
ings for  ten  successive  nights.  As  he  sat  in  the  au- 
dience his  thoughts  turned  to  towns,  cities  and  indi- 
viduals in  his  own  country  that  might  be  lastingly 
benefited  .by  a  visit  from  the  speaker,  and  he  resolved 
to  engage  him  if  possible,  at  any  cost.  Afterward  he 
appeared  on  the  platform  and  made  a  speech ;  and 

319 


A  SEA  VOYAGE. 

before  sailing  away  for  home  he  had,  under  condi- 
tions, obtained  Mr.  Dutcher' s  promise  to  visit  Nova 
Scotia  at  no  far  distant  day. 

For  the  purpose  of  fulfilling  this  promise  Mr. 
Dutcher  left  Wilmington  in  July  and  went  to  Leo- 
minster.  Thence  by  direction  of  a  telegram  received 
from  Captain  Burrell,  he  proceeded  to  Boston,  and 
went  on  board  the  steamer  "Dominion,"  Captain 
Clemmens,  which  was  about  starting  for  Yarmouth. 
He  found  the  Captain  a  fine-hearted  gentleman,  and 
after  as  pleasant  a  voyage  as  could  be  made  by  a  man 
who  did  not  take  naturally  to  water  (except  as  a  bev- 
erage, and  in  limited  quantities)  he  arrived  in  Yar- 
mouth, August  2d. 

Upon  stepping  ashore  our  friend  was  met  by  Cap- 
tain Burrell,  and  introduced  to  William  Law  who  is 
at  the  present  time  president  of  the  Dutcher  Tem- 
perance Reformers  of  Yarmouth — the  largest  temper- 
ance club  on  the  American  continent. 

The  first  evening  that  Mr.  Dutcher  lectured  he 
gained  the  attention  of  the  people,  and  the  interest 
they  manifested  argued  well  for  a  revival  of  the  tem- 
perance cause  in  Yarmouth. 

The  first  man  who  signed  the  pledge  was  a  sea 
captain.  After  writing  his  name  he  pinned  a  red 
ribbon  to  his  coat,  said  "  Good-bye,  Fm  off"  to  the 
audience,  started  for  his  ship  and  sailed  immediately. 

On  the  6th  of  August  the  reform  society  above 
mentioned  was  organized  by  Mr.  Dutcher,  and  its 
members  voted  unanimously  to  adopt  his  name. 
Captain  John  K.  Ryerson  was  chosen  president,  and 
John  EL  Law,  secretary. 


ENTHUSIASM  IN  YARMOUTH.  321 

The  enthusiasm  and  audiences  increased  daily,  and 
Ryerson  Hall  would  not  contain  the  people  who  came 
to  the  meetings.  Aisles,  stairways,  ante-rooms  and 
platform — all  were  densely  filled.  The  pledge  was 
signed  by  sea-captains,  sailors,  laborers,  merchants, 
mechanics,  ministers,  women  and  children,  and  nearly 
the  whole  colored  people  of  the  city.  Wealthy  ship- 
masters stood  waiting  to  sign  by  the  side  of  forecastle 
men,  while  a  colored  cook,  perhaps,  was  recording  his 
name.  Without  prejudice  as  to  color,  nationality  or 
religion,  all  were  eager  to  swell  the  temperance  ranks. 

Greetings  were  telegraphed  from  the  Reformers  of 
Yarmouth — then  numbering  sixteen  hundred — to  the 
Reformers  of  Wilmington;  and  Mr.  Win.  Law  wrote 
to  Major  Wells  that  the  greatest  uprising  in  the 
cause  of  temperance  ever  known  in  the  Dominion 
had  been  inaugurated. 

There  seemed  to  be  an  absence  of  the  jealousies 
usually  attending  a  great  reform.  Clergymen  and 
laymen,  rich  and  poor,  men  and  women — all  seemed 
to  vie  with  each  other  in  aiding  the  good  work ;  day 
by  day  it  was  pushed  forward  until  over  three  thou- 
sand Yarmouth  people  had  signed  the  pledge. 

Reverends  Messrs  Reed,  Lewis,  Day,  and  Pike 
were  on  the  platform  every  night,  and  many  other 
ministers  also  did  good  service  in  the  cause.  On  sev- 
eral occasions  the  churches  were  thrown  open. 

On  the  15th,  a  grand  picnic  was  held  in  Wm.  Mur- 
phy's grove  on  the  shore  of  a  beautiful  lake.  Al- 
though it  was  a  foggy  day  over  three  thousand  per- 
sons were  present,  and  five  hundred  of  them  signed 


322  A  GRAND  PICNIC. 

the  pledge  on  the  grounds.  Such  a  gathering  in  the 
cause  of  temperance  was  never  before  seen  in  that 
section  of  the  country. 

The  banner  of  the  Reformers  was  beautiful  and 
appropriate.  On  one  side  was  represented  a  fountain 
with  the  words  "  God's  Gift "  floating  on  the  water. 
Above  the  fountain  was  inscribed  "  Dutcher  Tem- 
perance Reformers,"  and  beneath  it,  "  We  will  ab- 
stain forever  from  strong  drink."  On  the  other  side 
of  the  banner  was  the  emblem  "  clasped  hands,"  and 
the  mottoes,  "  Our  great  Temperance  Brotherhood," 
"United  we  stand,"  and  "God  speed  our  noble 
cause." 

The  platform  of  the  grand  stand  was  occupied  by 
several  prominent  men  connected  with  the  reform, 
the  choirs  of  the  churches,  and  the  Milton  Brass 
Band  which  played  choice  selections  with  good  effect. 
Mr.  Bailey  led  the  choir,  and  Miss  Eva  W.  Hutchin- 
son  presided  over  a  fine-toned  organ. 

Mr.  Dutcher  spoke  from  the  grand  stand,  and  at 
the  close  of  his  remarks  he  took  the  British  and 
American  flags  which  had  been  waving  above  his 
head,  and  entwining  them  together,  said  : — 

"  As  these  two  flags  are  now  united,  so  may  the 
hearts  of  the  people  of  the  United  States  and  Great 
Britain  be  united  in  true  and  loving  friendship — 
never  to  be  severed  as  long  as  the  two  nations  exist." 

The  effect  of  these  words  was  beyond  description ; 
hats  were  waved  in  the  air,  and  cheer  after  cheer  rang 
through  the  woods  and  over  the  waters. 

The  wives  and  children  of  the  reformed  men  en- 


LAKES  GEORGE  AND  MILO.  323 

joyed  the  day  with  their  husbands  and  fathers  to  a 
degree  which  words  cannot  portray.  Before  leaving 
the  grounds  some  of  the  ladies  met  on  the  banks  of 
the  lake  and  christened  it  "  Lake  Milo,"  and  another 
lake  near  by  they  named  "  Lake  George,"  in  honor 
of  our  friend,  George  Milo  Butcher.  Many  times  in 
the  future  may  the  cool  crystal  waters  of  these  lakes 
reflect  scenes  as  joyous  as  were  seen  at  the  temper- 
ance picnic  on  that  day. 

Upon  returning  to  the  city  Mr.  Dutcher  addressed 
the  reformed  men  from  the  steps  of  the  court-house. 
He  told  them  to  trust  in  God  and  keep  away  from 
temptation,  and  all  would  be  well  with  them.  Twen- 
ty-five hundred  men  were  present  at  this  out-door 
meeting. 

After  this  he  went  to  Tusket,  accompanied  by  the 
temperance  choir  and  citizens  of  Yarmouth,  and  a 
club  of  Reformers  was  there  organized. 

Captain  Clemmens  was  now  about  ready  to  start 
for  Boston,  and  Mr.  Dutcher  was  to  return  with  him. 
Just  before  going  he  was  invited  by  Mrs.  Joseph 
Burrell  to  take  tea  at  her  house,  and  was  kindly 
received  and  entertained.  As  he  was  leaving,  she 
placed  fifty  dollars  in  his  hand  and  tendered  with 
the  gift  expressions  of  regard  for  his  future  happiness 
and  prosperity. 

When  the  time  of  departure  had  arrived  the  wharf 
was  covered  with  people  who  came  to  see  Mr.  Dutch- 
er off,  and  many  of  them  accompanied  him  on  board 
the  steamer.  After  a  prayer  had  been  offered,  and 
the  hymn  "  Shall  we  gather  at  the  river  "  had  been 


324  FAREWELL  TO  NOVA  SCOTIA. 

sung,  Bev.  Dr.  Eandall  handed  to  the  departing 
guest  an  envelope  containing  pecuniary  aid  and  com- 
fort, and  introduced  him  to  the  vast  assemblage.  Mr. 
Dutcher,  as  well  as  the  people,  was  deeply  affected, 
and  he  spoke  but  a  few  farewell  words.  Then  his 
friends  who  were  to  remain  behind  shook  his  hand 
and  turned  back  to  the  pier,  the  ropes  slipped  and 
dropped  into  the  brine,  and  the  steamer  surged  out 
into  the  waters. 

From  a  prominent  position  on  the  steamer,  Mr. 
Dutcher  saw  his  friend  Captain  Burrell,  waving  his 
"  Good-bye  "  from  the  extreme  end  of  the  pier ;  he 
saw  a  thousand  handkerchiefs  fluttering  their  owners' 
farewell,  while  cries  of  "  Come  again,  brother  Dutch- 
er," reached  his  ears.  With  tear-dimmed  eyes  he 
watched  these  people  who  one  month  before  were 
strangers  until  they  became  indistinct,  as  the  vessel 
steamed  onward  through  the  Bay  of  Fundy. 

Captain  Clemmens  invited  our  friend  to  make  an 
address  while  on  the  steamer.  He  also  presented  him 
with  a  free  passage  and  a  five-dollar  gold  piece. 
"  Whenever  you  wish  to  visit  Nova  Scotia,"  said  the 
generous  captain,  "  walk  on  board  my  boat,  and  you 
need  not  buy  any  ticket  either." 

On  arriving  at  Boston  Mr.  Dutcher  was  met  by  an 
urgent  telegram  from  Wilmington,  and  proceeded 
thither  without  going  home  to  Leominster,  although 
he  had  been  absent  a  month.  He  reached  Wilming- 
ton August  27th,  and  was  greeted  by  thousands  of 
friends  who  at  that  time  assembled  nightly  under  the 
great  tent  erected  on  Twelth  Street. 


BRIDGET'S  LAMENT.  325 

The  following  verses  published  in  the  /Sunday 
School  Worker,  are  copied  as  a  good  specimen  of  the 
poetry  of  the  Wilmington  Reform.  The  author,  R. 
C.  Fraim,  Esq.,  is  at  the  present  time  a  candidate  for 
the  mayoralty  of  that  city. 

THE  RANTING  BUTCHER  FEVER. 

BY  ROBIN  HOOD. 

"  What  makes  you  look  so  sad  to-day  ? 

Good  neighbor,  Bridget  Hughes, 
Have  any  of  your  patrons  died  ? 

You  seem  to  have  the  blues." 

"Why  Patrick,  don't  you  know,"  says  she, 

t<  \\re>re  driven  to  despair  ? 
Old  Butcher  and  his  reformed  crew 

Are  tenting  in  the  air. 

"  They're  ranting  ever,  night  and  day, 

For  what  they  call  reform  ; 
They're  driving  all  our  trade  away, 

And  leaving  us  forlorn. 

"Our  bar-rooms  soon  will  all  be  closed, 

To  ruin  we  must  go ; 
Unless  old  Dutcher  keeps  away 

We'll  end  our  days  in  woe. 

"My  lovely  daughter,  Bridget  Jane — 

The  best-dressed  girl  in  town- 
Will  have  to  act  as  kitchen  maid 

And  wear  a  seedy  gown : 

"  Whilst  those  who  gave  us  cash  to  buy 

Our  daughter's  splendid  clothes, 
Will  dress  their  own  girls  up  so  fine 

They'll  soon  get  all  the  beaus. 

"  Why,  even  now,  those  ragged  men 

That  joined  old  Butcher's  crew, 
Are  all  rigged  out  in  Sunday  clothes 

As  good  as  I  and  you. 


326  BRIDGET'S  LAMENT. 

"They  fill  the  largest  halls  in  town 
With  men — and  women,  too ! 

While  our  saloons  have  empty  chairs, 
And  we  have  nought  to  do. 

"  Upon  the  platform,  by  the  scores 

Our  former  patrons  stand, 
And  tell  their  hearers  what  they've  gained 

By  joining  Butcher's  band. 

"At  first  we  thought  it  all  a  joke 

To  see  our  patrons  there ; 
We  thought  their  pledge  would  soon  be  broke 

With  free  lunch  and  bock  beer. 

"We've  placed  '  Bock  Beer '  upon  our  signs, 
With  *  Free  Lunch  '  every  day ; 

But  Butcher's  band  ne'er  come  around 
To  aid  us  with  their  pay. 

"  On  every  Sunday  evening  now 

We  see  the  Butcher  bands, 
With  firm  step  marching  off  to  church 

With  hymn  books  in  their  hands. 

"They'll  all  turn  preachers,  I  believe, 

For  every  one  of  them 
Can  mount  the  rostrum  now,  to  speak, 

And  tell  what  they  have  been. 

"  They  tell  of  misery  and  woe 

Produced  by  beer  and  rum; 
And  if  one-half  they  tell  is  true, 

We  MUST  STOP  selling  rum. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

WITHOUT  entering  into  long  details,  I  will  say 
that  through  the  summer  months  the  temper- 
ance reform  in  Wilmington  still  prospered  beyond 
the  highest  expectations  and  hopes  of  all  concerned  ; 
that  crowds  congregated  nightly  beneath  the  folds  of 
the  "  old  tent ; "  and  that  scores  marched  bravely  up 
to  the  stand  to  sign  the  pledge  at  each  meeting. 

Some  three  months  after  its  organization,  the  Moral 
Suasion  Reform  Association  elected  as  its  president 
Col.  John  H.  Moore,  a  well  known  and  popular  citi- 
zen, who  by  his  untiring  efforts  and  devotion  to  the 
cause  infused  new  life  into  the  association,  so  that  it 
soon  became  a  power  in  the  city  which  even  rumsel- 
lers  had  to  respect. 

The  club  now  numbers  some  four  hundred  mem- 
bers, who  are  provided  with  a  good  hall  fitted  up  for 
private  and  public  meetings,  with  reading  room,  a 
very  fair  library,  and  an  organ.  Business  meetings 
of  the  club  have  been  held  weekly,  and  public  meet- 
ings oftener.  At  some  of  the  latter,  held  at  the 
rooms  of  the  club  or  at  the  opera  house,  an  admission 

327 


328  THE  REFORM  CLUB. 

fee  has  been  charged.  The  income  from  this  source, 
and  the  very  liberal  donations  of  money  received 
from  citizens,  have  been  sufficient  to  defray  expenses, 
and  assist  members  who  were  out  of  work  and  had 
families  in  want.  Sober  men  needing  employment 
were  always  on  hand  at  the  rooms. 

One  year  ago  nearly  every  member  of  this  organi- 
zation was  a  drinking  man.  Some  have  been  unfor- 
tunate enough  to  break  their  pledge,  but  these  have 
generally  been  brought  back  into  the  fold  by  their 
brothers. 

The  following  letter  written  by  Col.  Moore  to 
Major  Wells,  September  12th,  1877,  is  copied  from 
the  Wilmington  Republican : 

DEAR  BROTHER  WELLS  : — 

In  the  following  statement  I  have  not  had  time  to  do  full 
justice  to  the  subject  under  consideration,  but  this  far  I  do 
know — that  since  the  present  temperance  revival,  commenc- 
ing, say,  with  the  beginning  of  Brother  Dutcher's  labors  in 
our  midst,  occupying  a  period  of  five  months  and  twelve  days 
of  uninterrupted  temperance  work,  much  of  it  done  under 
great  disadvantage  from  warm  weather,  absence  from  the 
city  of  temperance  workers,  trivial  contentions  among  some 
of  the  workers,  and  many  circumstances  which  would  have 
had  a  disheartening  effect  in  other  localities,  the  amount  of 
good  done  in  a  pecuniary  sense  (laying  aside  the  matter  of 
health  of  body,  peace  of  mind,  and  the  happy  men,  women 
and  children  this  movement  has  made  in  our  midst)  has  more 
than  paid  for  all  the  time,  labor  and  money ; — aye,  doubly 
and  threefold  more  than  paid  what  has  been  expended  in  the 
accomplishment  of  it. 

Now,  I  ani  speaking  as  a  reformed  man — one  who  has 


COL.  MOORE'S  STATEMENT.  329 

been  led  by  this  movement  to  give  up  his  cups,  and  who 
knows  something  practically  about  the  amount  spent  in  dram- 
drinking  among  social  and  moderate  drinkers  ;  and  I  say 
without  fear  of  successful  contradiction,  that  over  four  thous- 
and drinking  men  and  youths  have  taken  the  pledge  since  the 
beginning  of  the  movement.  Allowing  for  all  who  have  vio- 
lated their  pledge  (and  remember  none  are  so  good  they  can- 
not fall,through  the  temptations  and  allurements  held  out  by 
the  votaries  of  the  Rum  Power  and  the  fatal  appetite  which 
forges  a  chain  around  the  drinking  man)  and  putting  the  num- 
ber at  the  low  estimate  of  two  thousand  who  have  spent  on 
an  average  two  dollars  per  week  for  intoxicating  drinks — and 
this  average  is  low,  for  I  kno.w  many  who  never  spent  less 
than  five  or  ten  dollars  a  week,  and  some  as  high  as  fifty  dol- 
lars per  week — we  have  here  a  saving  of  four  thousand  dol- 
lars per  week,  sixteen  thousand  dollars  per  month,  or  over 
eighty  thousand  dollars  in  the  five  months  and  over  that  have 
elapsed  since  the  temperance  movement  started  in  Wilming- 
ton. 

Think  of  it,  fellow  citizens !  Eighty  thousand  dollars  taken 
from  the  rumsellers'  tills,  and  scattered  among  our  merchants, 
our  property  holders,  our  farmers  and  other  legitimate  and 
honorable  professions.  "  Does  it  pay  ?  "  Calculate  a  reason- 
able increase  if  the  good  work  goes  on,  or  calculate  it  as  it 
is  and  stands  to-day ;  and  if  it  does  not  progress,  but  holds 
its  own,  why,  sir,  that  alone  is  eighty  thousand  dollars  saved 
from  being  squandered  in  dissipation. 

Now  as  to  the  manufacturers. — We  have  seen  how  this 
movement  has  benefited  the  merchants,  tradesmen,  prop- 
erty holders,  and  mechanics  ;  let  us  look  and  see  how  it 
has  benefited  you. 

Has  it  benefited  you  in  securing  to  you  the  services  of 
the  skilled  artisan  on  whom  you  must  rely  for  the  success 


330  DOES  IT  PAYt 

of  your  mechanical  operations  ?  Take  a  firm  for  exam- 
ple like  the  Harlan  &  Rollings  worth  Co.,  where  skilled 
mechanics  are  employed  in  great  numbers ;  where  every 
moment  lost  is,  to  the  employers,  money  sunk,  lost,  and 
irretrievably  gone. 

How  many  men  with  nerves  unstrung  and  brows  throb- 
bing from  the  effects  of  drink,  lose  minutes — aye,  hours 
— where  they  must  necessarily  appear  to  work  though 
incapable  of  performing  it  ?  Does  practical  temperance 
benefit  and  pay  you  as  well  as  your  employees,  when 
they  lose  no  time  from  the  effects  of  this  damning  curse 
of  intemperance  ?  Assuredly  it  does. 

Your  men  are  at  their  places,  sober,  steady,  reliable, 
with  clear  heads  and  steady  nerves,  to  work  in  your  best 
interest.  Your  manufactured  articles  are  better  made, 
and  more  reliable  to  the  purchaser  ;  and,  of  course,  your 
reputation  is  constantly  being  raised  higher  in  the  scale 
of  competition  in  your  line  of  business. 

Wilmington  has  always  been  noted  for  the  excellence 
of  her  manufactured  articles,  not  being  surpassed  in  any 
locality.  Let  us  keep  up  our  reputation.  Let  us  fight 
this  monster  curse  with  all  the  power  God  has  given  us, 
and  with  our  money  as  well,  until  there  is  not  a  grog 
shop  left  in  our  fair  city  ;  and  then  we  will  have  the  an- 
swer to  our  question,  and  it  will  be  : — "  It  has  paid,  and 
paid  well."  Yours  truly, 

JOHN  H.  MOORE. 

Previous  to  Mr.  Butcher's  visit  to  Nova  Scotia, 
Major  "Wells,  taking  into  consideration  the  great  good 
already  accomplished  and  the  vast  field  yet  open  to 
reform  in  the  state  of  Delaware,  formed,  and  imme- 
diately brought  before  the  temperance  people,  the 
project  of  building  a  house  in  Wilmington  and  pre- 


THE  DUTCHER  HOME.  331 

senting  it  to  Mr.  Dutcher  as  a  permanent  home. 
This  project  was  favorably  received  by  the  thousands 
of  temperance  people,  who  considered  it  a  good  meth- 
od of  showing  their  appreciation  of  the  great  work 
which  Mr.  Dutcher  had  done  for  the  good  of  the 
community. 

Measures  were  at  once  taken  for  carrying  out  the 
plan.  Contributions  were  solicited  from  the  many 
temperance  people  who  were  well-to-do  in  this  world's 
goods ;  a  lot  situated  upon  a  hill  overlooking  the  city 
was  bought  of  Mr.  Rowland  at  a  low  price  in  consid- 
eration of  the  object ;  and  the  work  of  erecting  a 
house  was  begun  under  the  personal  superintendence 
of  Major  Wells.  When  Mr.  Dutcher  returned  from 
Nova  Scotia,  he  found  a  crowd  of  reformed  men 
working  like  heroes  in  the  heat  of  summer,  to  build 
for  him  and  his — what  they  had  never  yet  been  the 
owners  of — a  home.  Two  large  cherry  trees  stood  on 
the  rear  of  the  lot,  and  under  their  grateful  shade  the 
workmen  ate  their  noonday  meals  from  provisions 
provided  and  brought  thither  by  the  noble  temper- 
ance women  of  Wilmington. 

The  "Dutcher  Home"  was  fast  looming  up  into  a 
mass  of  brick  and  mortar,  when  Mr.  Dutcher  was 
obliged  to  go  to  Leominister  by  the  illness  of  his 
wife.  Before  returning  to  Wilmington  he  was  in- 
duced by  urgent  calls  to  make  a  second  visit  to  the 
British  Provinces. 


CHAPTEK  VIII. 

MR.  BUTCHER  started  on  his  second  visit  to 
Nova  Scotia  in  October,  and  was  cordially  wel- 
comed at  Yarmouth.  He  spoke  there  several  times 
to  immense  audiences  and  many  names  were  added  to 
the  pledge;  the  local  club  had  five  thousand  members 
when  he  left  the  place. 

The  temperance  people  of  Yarmouth  had  bought  up 
at  a  high  price  all  the  liquor  they  could  get,  including 
the  whole  public  sale  of  the  custom-house,  and  poured 
it  into  the  streets  amid  a  joyous  gathering  of  the 
temperance  element. 

Captain  Burrell  and  Mr.  Dutcher  now  started  on  a 
tour  through  Nova  Scotia  and  New  Brunswick,  and 
Captain  Bowman  Corning  accompanied  them  as  far 
as  Digby.  They  visited  Plymouth,  Plympton,  Wey- 
niouth,  Digby,  etc.,  and  then  went  to  Annapolis  Roy- 
al. Then  they  went  to  Brier  Island,  Freeport,  and 
Westport,  and  on  to  St.  Johns,  N.  B.  They  tben 
went  east  as  far  as  Amherst,  N.  S.,  and  north  to  Chat- 
ham, N.  B.,  011  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence.  They  also 
visited  Sackville,  Monkton  and  Halifax,  and  from  the 

332 


ACADIA  REVISITED.  333 

latter  place  they  went  up  the  Annapolis  valley  to 
Windsor,  Wolfville,  Kentville,  Bridgeville,  etc.,  and 
finally  arrived  again  at  Annapolis  Royal. 

The  labors  of  our  friends  in  this  tour  proved  won- 
derfully successful,  and  much  good  undoubtedly  re- 
sulted therefrom.  Mr.  Dutcher  s  reputation  as  an 
orator  and  sincere  advocate  of  temperance  had  been 
spread  over  the  country  through  the  newspapers,  and 
the  people  flocked  to  hear  him ;  No  building  was 
large  enough  to  contain  them,  and  great  enthusiasm 
prevailed.  Only  a  few  of  the  incidents  attending 
their  trip  can  be  related. 

At  Plymouth  nearly  all  the  people  signed  the  pledge. 
One  old  man,  a  hard  drinker,  refused  to  do  so  for  a  long 
time,  but  when  his  wife  went  to  him  with  tearful  eyes 
and  said— "  Won't  you  sign  for  your  poor  old  wife  ? "  he 
could  hold '  out  no  longer ;  as  he  wrote  his  name 
the  audience  commenced  singing — "  Praise  God  from 
Whom  all  blessings  flow." 

Another  man — a  member  of  Parliament,  who  had 
crossed  the  Atlantic  fifty -four  times  and  suffered 
dreadfully  from  drinking  rum  since  childhood — sign- 
ed the  pledge  at  Plymouth,  and  at  the  second  meeting 
handed  to  Mr.  Dutcher  a  Mexican  silver  dollar, 
saying  :- 

"  Take  that,  Brother  Dutcher;  it  was  through  your 
kind  words  that  I  have  reformed.  I  want  you  to  keep 
it  always,  and  when  you  look  at  it  remember  it  came 
from  a  poor  slave  of  drink  who  is  trying  with  the 
help  of  God  to  live  a  sober  life." 

Digby  received  our  friends  with  a  warm  welcome, 


334:          -A-  TOUR  THROUGH  THE  PROVINCES. 

and  Rev.  J.  H.  Saunders  did  all  he  could  to  smooth 
their  path.  This  town  had  been  a  place  where  much 
rum  was  drank,  but  they  left  it  a  sober  happy  com- 
munity. Some  of  the  dealers  gave  up  the  liquor 
business  and  joined  the  temperance  ranks. 

A  skillful  physician  of  high  standing  in  society 
was  at  this  time  bound  firmly  in  the  coils  of  intem- 
perance, and  an  unsuccessful  effort  was  made  to  obtain 
his  name  to  the  pledge.  Finally  his  little  daughter 
undertook  the  task. 

"  Father,  won't  you  sign  this  for  me  ? "  she  said 
pleadingly,  presenting  the  pledge. 

"  No,  no,  my  child,"  was  his  reply. 

Amid  the  prayers  of  hundreds  for  her  success  the 
little  one  again  and  again  entreated  her  father  to  sign 
the  pledge,  and  though  he  gave  her  many  firm  de- 
nials she  was  at  length  made  happy  by  his  doing  so. 
Her  happiness  was  increased  by  one  of  the  results  of 
her  father's  reform:  he  and  his  wife,  who  had  been 
separated  through  his  intemperance,  were  again  re- 
united and  happy  in  their  beautiful  home,  where  Mr- 
Dutcher  visited  them  on  his  return  that  way. 

A  reform  club  with  six  hundred  members  was 
established  in  Digby,  and  Ed.  Wassell,  a  man  of  high 
standing  and  education,  was  chosen  president  thereof. 
He  had  been  a  hard  drinker,  but  came  out  boldly  for 
the  right.  Another  man  who  had  buried  his  wife  and 
several  children,  been  a  hard  drinker  for  years,  and 
long  since  made  up  his  mind  that  he  should  eventu- 
ally fill  a  drunkard's  grave,  after  listening  to  Mr. 
Dataller's  appeals,  resolved  to  make  a  grand  effort  to 


INCIDENTS  BY  THE  WAT.  335 

reform.  He  signed  the  pledge  and  prayed  to  God  to 
give  him  strength  to  keep  it,  and  was  chosen  vice- 
president  of  the  club. 

The  tire  kindled  in  Digby  on  the  shore  of  Annapo- 
lis Bay  is  still  burning  brightly ;  may  its  light  be 
a  beacon  shining  afar  for  many  long  years  to  come  ! 

At  Chatham,  K.  B.,  the  results  of  the  work  were 
wonderful.  Drinking  men  by  scores  and  hundreds 
signed  the  pledge,  and  several  of  them  in  gratitude 
for  their  deliverance  have  gone  out  into  the  adjoining 
towns  to  work  in  the  cause,  and  the  movement  has 
spread  far  and  wide.  At  the  present  time  Hon.  L.  J. 
Tweedie,  M.  F.  is  president  of  the  "Butcher  Re- 
formers  "  in  Chatham,  and  nearly  every  man,  woman 
and  child  there  belongs  to  the  association. 

At  Amherst  and  Sackville  there  was  a  general  up- 
rising, and  nearly  the  whole  population  was  brought 
into  the  temperance  army.  People  would  say  to  each 
other  : — "  Is  not  this  the  work  of  God  ?  "Who  would 
have  thought  that  Mr.  A.  or  Mr.  B.  would  sign  the 
pledge?" 

The  first  man  to  sign  the  pledge  at  Annapolis 
Royal  was  Mr.  Shannon,  a  leading  merchant,  who  had 
suffered  much  from  strong  drink.  He  is  now  an  offi- 
cer of  the  "Dutcher  Reformers  "  of  Annapolis  Royal 
who  number  nearly  one  thousand  members. 

The  last  grand  meeting  held  by  our  two  friends 
was  at  Annapolis  Royal,  and  was  brought  to  a  close 
near  midnight  by  a  general  shaking  of  hands  with 
Burrell  and  Dutcher;  then,  with  the  wharf  crowded 
with  men,  women  and  children,  they  stepped  on 


336  A  GREAT  COMMOTION  IN 

board  the  little  steamer  "  Scud,"  bound  for  St.  Johns, 
from  which  place  Mr.  Dutcher  started  for  home. 

The  following  account  of  this  last  meeting,  and  of 
the  temperance  reform  in  that  vicinity,  is  copied  from 
the  Annapolis  Weekly  Journal  : 

The  present  week  opened  with  probably  one  of  the 
most  tremendous  popular  demonstrations  ever  witnessed 
in  Annapolis  Royal.  We  have  seen  in  the  community 
the  wildest  enthusiasm  on  occasions  of  political  contests  ; 
but  in  political  ovations  there  are  two  opposing  parties, 
both  large  and  powerful,  and  while  the  shouts  of  ten 
thousand  people  rend  the  air  in  token  of  victory,  they  are 
offsetted  by  the  muttered  execrations  of  the  nine  thou- 
sand nine  hundred  and  ninety  whose  party  is  left  in  the 
minority. 

There  were  no  two  parties  of  nearly  equal  strength  in 
the  demonstrations  of  the  present  week.  Very  few  oppo- 
nents to  the  movement  could  be  found.  The  enthusiasm 
of  the  occasion  has  been  general.  The  social  elements 
of  the  community  have  been  thrown — not  into  confusion, 
but  into  the  wildest  commotion.  Every  organization, 
society,  sect  and  institution,  of  all  classes,  ranks,  creeds 
and  denominations,  has  been,  for  the  time,  cast  into  the 
shade  by  the  Dutcher  Reform  Club.  For  once,  at  least, 
it  seems  as  if  the  people  had  united  in  a  grand  outburst 
of  feeling  on  behalf  of  temperance  reform. 

We  feel  perfectly  safe  in  asserting  that  nothing  like  it 
has  occurred  in  the  ancient  capital  of  Acadia  during  the 
two-and-a-half  centuries  that  elapse  since  De  Monts  first 
raised  the  fleur-de-lis  on  the  wood-girt  slopes  of  our 
river  side.  This  has  been  no  frenzied  ebullition  of  an 
unreasoning  and  ignorant  multitude.  We  have  seen 
nothing  but  what  would  be  expected  to  follow  from  a  gen- 


THE  ANCIENT  CAPITAL.  337 

eral  and  wide-spread  manifestation  of  the  inevitable  sen- 
timents of  every  intelligent  citizen,  in  view  of  the  blast- 
ing and  blighting  effects  upon  society  of  strong  drink. 
Customs  receiving  the  almost  universal  sanction  of  civi- 
lized society,  grow  into  habits,  and  these  habits  develop 
into  positive  vices  of  the  most  hideous  character. 

The  vice  of  drunkenness  had  fastened  its  burning  fangs 
so  deeply  into  the  ver}^  vitals  of  the  social  system,  that 
there  is  not  an  individual  who  has  not  felt  the  venom  in 
his  own  veins,  or  at  all  events,  who  has  not  been  called 
to  grieve,  in  heartfelt  sympathy,  over  the  prostration  of 
some  one  of  his  near  kindred.  Every  grade  of  society 
is  but  too  deeply  affected  with  the  disease  not  to  be  in- 
tensely interested  in  the  successful  application  of  the 
remedy.  The  unparalleled  success  of  the  temperance 
revival  in  other  parts  of  the  country  had  been  winged  by 
the  press  into  every  household,  and  formed  matter  for 
discussion  at  every  fireside. 

When  it  was  announced  some  time  ago  that  the  cam- 
paign was  to  be  opened  in  Annapolis,  there  was  naturally 
a  considerable  amount  of  learned  disquisition  among  the 
wise  upon  the  prospects  of  such  an  undertaking.  The 
reform  movement  was  inaugurated  in  Whitman's  Hall 
some  four  weeks  ago.  Since  that  time  the  ball  has  been 
kept  rolling  through  our  streets  in  quite  a  lively  manner. 

On  Monday  evening  we  had,  as  announced  last  Satur- 
day, a  fraternal  visit  from  parties  connected  with  the 
organization  in  Yarmouth,  Digby,  Bridgetown,  etc.  The 
intimation  that  Mr.  Butcher  would  be  present,  of  course 
drew  a  large  crowd.  Many,  no  doubt,  came  to  see  what 
it  would  all  amount  to,  and  to  have  their  own  fun  over 
such  fools  as  might  be  induced  to  sign  away  their  liberty 
by  writing  their  names  in  the  pledge  book ;  but  before 
15 


338  ^   WIFE'S  REQUEST. 

leaving  they  made  like  fools  of  themselves  by  gliding  down 
stream  with  the  current  that  before  the  close  of  the  meeting 
flowed  in  from  nearly  every  bench  in  the  hall  to  the  secre- 
tary's table.  A  strong  choir,  with  a  good  instrument  ably 
fingered  by  Mrs.  Randall,interspersed  the  proceedings  through- 
out the  evening  with  the  inspiring  influences  of  soul-stirring 
melody. 

T.  W.  Chesley  Esq.  made  the  first  advance  in  a  brief  but 
rousing  introductory.  His  exclamation  : — 

"  May  the  ancient  capital  be  the  center  whence  shall  emi- 
nate  those  grand  and  glorious  principles  which  we  are  here 
met  to  promote,"  seemed  to  us  to  be  one  of  the  most  appro- 
priate remarks  that  could  be  uttered. 

Dr.  Smith,  of  Digby,  told  of  the  great  work  going  on  in 
his  own  county  ;  Mr.  Burrell,  of  Yarmouth,  made  a  few 
forcible  and  telling  remarks ;  and  Mr.  Wassel,  president  of 
the  Digby  club,  gave  in  a  dozen  words  from  his  own  expe- 
rience, a  summary  of  the  history  of  intemperance  from  the 
days  of  Noah  down  to  the  present  time  ;  namely  : — 

u  For  seventeen  years  I  was  master  of  drink  ;  the  eight- 
eenth year  it  was  master  of  me  !  " 

After  a  rousing  piece  from  the  choir,  Dutcher  took  the  field 
and  swung  himself  round  among  the  enemy  most  vigorously, 
doing  considerable  execution  as  he  proceeded.  One  of  his 
statements  we  must  reproduce,  and  commend  very  strongly 
to  the  attention  of  the  worshipers  at  the  shrine  of  Bacchus 
— that  is  if  there  are  any  devotees  of  that  creed  left  among 
our  readers.  As  the  utterance  of  a  man  who  has  been  fre- 
quently over  the  road,  it  ought  to  have  a  warning  effect.  The 
expression  is  as  follows : — 

"  There  is  no  suffering  on  this  side  of  the  gates  of  hell, 
compared  with  the  sufferings  of  the  man  .who  drinks  rum. " 

After  Mr.  Dutcher's  address  was  ended,  then  commenced 


A  MAGNIFICENT  TURN-OUT.  339 

the  signing  of  the  pledge.  The  vociferous  cheers  and 
tremendous  applause  that  shook  the  building  under  the 
feet  of  many  who  went  forward  to  sign  the  pledge,  show- 
ed plainly  that  there  was  a  mighty  waking  up  of  the 
latent  moral  sentiments  of  the  community. 

Monday  night  was  a  big  occasion,  but  on  Tuesday 
night  there  assembled  in  Fullerton's  Hall  about  two-thirds 
of  the  whole  population  of  Annapolis  Royal.  It  was  the 
grandest  evening  in  the  history  of  Moral  Reform  in  this 
place  over  which  the  midnight  moon  ever  cast  her  soft 
silver}7  light. 

To  give  any  details  of  the  proceedings  would  demand 
better  descriptive  powers  than  ever  nature  or  education 
bestowed  upon  us,  as  it  is  not  likely  that  either  our 
mother  or  our  schoolmasters  ever  expected  that  we  should 
have  to  narrate  the  exploits  of  a  Reform  Club. 

The  hall  was  filled  with  such  an  audience  as  might  well 
feather  the  cap  of  an  orator  of  much  less  pretentious 
than  G.  M.  Dutcher.  Seats  were  extemporized  in  the 
aisles  until  they  were  packed,  and  the  entrance  was 
crowded  shoulder  to  shoulder.  Still  they  continued  to 
come,  and  by  nine  o'clock,  after  many  had  gone  away 
without  being  able  to  gain  admission,  a  rat  could  scarcety 
have  found  room  to  run  from  the  door  to  the  platform. 
It  was  indeed  a  magnificent  turn-out.  The  enthusiasm  at 
the  time  of  enrolling  recruits  was,  if  possible,  greater 
than  ever. 

Close  attention  was  paid  to  Butcher's  arguments ; 
rounds  of  applause  greeted  his  well-executed  representa- 
tions of  various  scenes  in  the  life  of  the  rum-drinker ; 
and  the  unbidden  tear  would  steal  into  the  eye  as  he 
detailed  one  after  another  some  of  the  fearful  wrecks  of 
human  happiness,  and  the  forever  blasted  prospects  of 


340     THIRTY  THOUSAND  DUTCHER  REFORMERS. 

many  promising  youths  whose  names  might  otherwise  have 
been  conspicuous  on  the  roll  of  the  world's  honorable  men. 

We  earnestly  hope  and  trust  that  the  walls  of  iniquity 
demolished  by  this  siege  may  never  again  be  rebuilt.  It 
would,  however,  be  denying  the  facts  of  the  history  of  man- 
kind to  expect  that  all  the  recruits  will  prove  true  and  trusty 
soldiers  in  the  battle  with  established  habits.  But  the  over- 
whelming expression  of  popular  sentiment  evolved  on  Mon- 
day and  Tuesday  nights  will  be  echoed  along  the  years  for 
generations.  We  predict  a  permanent  effect  upon  the  general 
tone  of  society  with  the  greater  confidence,  as  we  are  well 
aware  of  the  fact  that  this  is  by  no  means  a  volcanic  outburst 
of  elements  generated  within  a  week  or  a  month  or  a  year. 

Our  temperance  organizations  have  for  some  time  been  col- 
lecting the  winds  and  blustering  tempests  in  the  caves  of  the 
mountains  of  -ZEolia.  Butcher  came  like  ^Eolus,  and  whirl- 
ing the  point  of  his  spear,  plunged  it  into  the  hollow  mount- 
ain's side,  when  the  blast  of  popular  opinion  rushed  forth  as 
in  a  formed  battallion,  and  scoured  the  community  in  giddy 
whirls,  and  at  once,  East  and  South  and  stormy  North-west, 
ploughed  up  the  deep  emotions  of  the  people  and  rolled  vast 
billows  on  the  shores  of  Moral  Reform. 

It  may  be  added,  that  up  to  the  present  time,  thirty 
thousand  persons  in  the  British  Provinces  have  become 
members  of  Dutcher  Reform  Associations  since  Mr. 
Dutcher  began  his  labors  there. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

'TTTHILE  Mr.  Butcher  was  in  Nova  Scotia  the 
V  V  house  which  his  friends  were  building  for  him 
was  completed,  and  to  save  time  he  requested  that  his 
family  should  join  him  at  the  Union  Depot  in  Wor- 
cester, November  22d,  on  his  arrival  from  St.  Johns, 
and  go  on  with  him  to  their  new  home.  I  was  invited 
to  be  a  member  of  the  party.  There  were  six  child- 
ren under  twelve  years  of  age  to  be  looked  after,  and 
one  of  them — christened  Wilmington  Wells  in  honor 
of  the  great  reform  and  Major  Wells — was  but  a  few 
weeks  old. 

The  programme  was  carried  out ;  it  was  a  happy 
moment  to  me  when  I  delivered  over  to  my  friend 
his  jewels,  and  realized  that  for  the  remainder  of  the 
journey  the  responsibility  and  care  of  said  jewels 
would  not  rest  wholly  upon  me.  Although  I  felt 
competent  to  range  the  whole  South-west  without 
slipping  a  trail,  I  was  bewildered  when  trying  to  take 
charge  of  the  "  tribe  of  George." 

There  was  half-an-hour  to  spare  before  our  train 
left,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dutcher  and  Georgie  resolved 

341 


342  "  -B  UCKSKIN  SAM"  IN  TR  0  UJBLJS. 

to  improve  it  by  a  hasty  visit  to  friends  in  the  city. 
Before  I  realized  what  was  going  on,  or  rather  who 
was  going  off,  I  found  myself  seated  in  the  ladies' 
sitting-room  with  a  baby  in  my  arms  and  with  four 
other  babies  of  varying  size  grouped  around  me.  If 
any  old  bachelor  like  myself  reads  these  lines,  let  him 
drop  a  tear  of  sympathy  at  my  situation. 

Now,  a  long-haired  scout  in  a  big  depot,  with  a  lit. 
tie  baby  in  his  arms  and  no  mother  near  by  is  not  a 
common  sight,  and  I  soon  became  painfully  aware 
that  I  was  the  center  of  attraction.  Fellow-travelers 
stared  and  smiled,  and  hackmen,  loafers,  etc.,  grinned 
at  me  through  glass  doors  and  windows  on  all  sides. 
Luckily  for  some  of  them  my  revolver  was  not  at 
hand,  and  I  ground  my  teeth  in  rage  and  silence. 
Wilmie  preserved  his  composure,  but  showed  by  his 
roguish  eyes  that  he  rather  enjoyed  the  predicament 
he  had  got  me  in.  My  troubles  were  ended  at  last  by 
the  return  of  his  mother,  and  we  went  aboard  the  cars 
and  started  on  our  journey. 

Tidings  of  our  approach  were  in  due  time  tele- 
graphed to  Wilmington,  and  on  arriving  there  we 
were  met  at  the  depot  by  many  of  Mr.  Dutcher's 
friends  who  had  come  to  welcome  him  and  his  family. 
The  day  was  extremely  stormy,  and  through  torrents 
of  rain  we  were  conveyed  to  the  Duteher  home,  to  be 
met  by  joyous  greetings  from  a  score  of  happy-faced 
ladies  who  had  come  out  into  the  storm  to  fix  things 
up  for  the  reception  of  the  strangers  and  to  welcome 
them.  They  had  prepared  for  us  a  substantial  sup- 
per, and  their  kind  words  and  cheerful  looks  soon 


THE  DUTOHER  HOME.  343 

made  Mrs.  Dutcher  and  the  children  feel  as  if  at  home 
and  among  friends,  notwithstanding  the  strangeness  of 
the  surroundings. 

The  warmth  and  cheerfulness  which  pervaded  the 
house  contrasted  delightfully  with  the  outside  storm 
and  darkness ;  and  amid  such  evidences  of  the  sin- 
cere regard  entertained  for  them  by  the  kind  ladies 
present  a'nd  the  people  of  Wilmington,  no  wonder 
that  the  evening  was  a  happy  one  for  the  members  of 
the  Dutcher  family,  and  that  it  will  long  be  treasured 
up  by  them  as  a  bright  oasis  in  the  desert  of  life. 

Subsequently,  when  fairly  "settled,"  the  family 
was  cheered  by  numerous  calls  from  the  people  of 
"Wilmington  who  sometimes  came  in  large  parties, 
bringing  presents,  and  filling  the  house  with  hilarity 
and  gladness.  Speeches  on  these  occasions,  and  sere- 
nades by  the  choir  of  the  M.  S.  E..  A.,  were  also  in 
order. 

The  Dutcher  house  is  a  handsome  three-story  brick 
building  containing  twelve  well-finished  rooms,  and 
reflects  much  credit  upon  Major  "Wells  who.  superin- 
tended its  construction.  It  fronts  on  Franklin  street 
just  beyond  the  beautiful  residence  of  Mr.  Benjamin 
F.  Miller,  and  its  location  and  surroundings  are  unex- 
ceptionably  good.  Northerly  the  country  is  dotted 
with  fine  suburban  residences  whose  owners  vie  with 
each  other  in  beautifying  their  homes.  To  the  west, 
only  a  stone's  throw  distant,  is  the  new  park  where 
the  children  play;  and  a  five-minutes'  walk  brings 
one  to  Delaware  avenue  with  its  handsome  houses 
and  line  of  horse-cars. 


344  THREE  RIVERS  AND  FOUR  SfATES. 

The  view  from  the  "  Home  "  is  fine  and  extended. 
Below  is  the  city  of  Wilmington,  stretching  along  the 
Delaware  river,  its  north-eastern  and  south-western 
suburbs  cut  through  by  the  waters  of  the  Brandy- 
wine  and  Christiana  rivers.  On  the  broad  bosom  of 
the  Delaware  may  be  seen  all  kinds  of  river  and 
ocean  craft,  and  across  and  beyond  it  the  shores  of 
New  Jersey,  covered  with  groves,  farm-houses  and 
cultivated  fields,  form  the  back-ground  of  the  picture. 
From  the  roof  of  the  house  can  be  seen  a  vast  ex- 
panse of  farming  country  lying  in  the  States  of  Del- 
aware, Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  and  New  Jersey. 

Temperance  meetings  had  of  late  been  held  nightly 
in  the  "Old  Foundry,"  and  after  Mr.  Dutcher's  re- 
turn he  addressed  large  audiences  there  and  at  the 
rooms  of  the  M.  S.  K.  A.  He  also  visited  neighbor- 
ing towns  to  speak  to  the  people  and  organize  clubs. 

Over  fourteen  thousand  people  signed  the  pledge 
in  Wilmington  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  his 
first  arrival  in  that  city. 


CHAPTEE  X. 

O  UBSEQUENTLY  Major  Wells  and  Mr.  Butcher 
k3  visited  Washington,  and  held  several  meetings; 
their  main  object,  however,  was  to  bring  the  subject  of 
in  temperance  before  Congress,  and  obtain  the  enaction 
of  prohibitory  laws  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  They 
called  on  many  Congressmen,  and  found  some  who,  to 
their  shame  be  it  said,  were  ready  to  ridicule  and  oppose 
any  scheme  for  restricting  the  sale  of  liquors.  They 
found  others  who  were  anxious  to  help  the  plan  along. 
The  following  memorial,  prepared  by  them,  was  pre- 
sented in  the  House  of  Representatives,  January  17th, 
by  Mr.  Matthews,  read,  and  referred. 

To  the  Honorable  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled : — 

We,  your  petitioners,  humbly  state,  that  we  are  citizens 
of  the  United  States  now  temporarily  residing  in  the 
District  of  Columbia  ;  and  we  humbly  pray  your  honora- 
ble body  to  make  legal  inquiry  by  what  authority  the 
traffic  in  intoxicating  drinks  is  protected  and  made  legal. 
The  Constitution  was  ordained  to  establish  justice,  insure 
domestic  tranquility,  and  promote  the  general  welfare. 

345 


34:6  A  MEMORIAL  TO  CONGRESS. 

The  traffic  in  intoxicating  drinks  infringes  upon  these 
provisions  of  the  Constitution  to  a  terrible  degree ;  and 
we  again  humbly  request  your  honorable  body  to  make 
inquiry  by  what  authority  the  privileges  and  enjoyments 
of  the  great  majority  of  the  people  of  this  District  are 
interfered  with,  and  the  expressed  stipulations  of  the 
great  law  of  the  land  abrogated  and  annulled.  We  claim 
that  the  fruits  of  this  traffic  being  evil,  and  that  contin- 
ually, there  can  be  no  constitutional  right  to  protect  it ; 
and  that  upon  the  removal  of  the  protection  of  law  by 
which  it  is  now  surrounded,  it  could  be  driven  from  the 
community  as  a  common  nuisance.  And  we  shall  ever 
pray.  GEORGE  W.  WELLS. 

GEORGE  M.  DUTCHER. 

They  also  succeeded,  through  the  instrumentality 
of  Hon.  Amasa  Norcross,  of  Fitchburgh,  Mass.,  in 
getting  before  the  House  "  a  bill  to  prevent  the  im- 
portation, manufacture,  and  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks 
to  and  in  the  District  of  Columbia."  This  bill  was 
read  twice,  referred  to  tbe  committee  for  the  District 
of  Columbia,  ordered  to  be  printed,  and  was  subse- 
quently printed.  What  the  result  thereof  will  be 
remains  to  be  seen. 

From  Washington,  Mr.  Dutcher,  accompanied  by 
Mr.  Wells,  went  to  several  towns  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  met  with  good  success  in  getting  people  to  sign 
the  pledge.  "  He  made  here,"  said  the  Newton  En- 
terprise^ "  six  consecutive  speeches  to  large  audiences 
in  the  hall  and  churches.  His  manner  is  that  of  im- 
passioned eloquence,  conveying  hard  unanswerable 
facts  and  arguments." 

Subsequently   he  made  a  tour    through    Eastern 


A  MOTHER'S  DEATH.  347 

Maryland  and  Southern  Delaware,  and  many  reform 
associations  were  started.  At  Salisbury,  Md.,  over 
seven  hundred  persons  signed  the  pledge.  At  Sea- 
ford,  Del.,  five  hundred  signed,  and  on  his  second 
visit  there,  hundreds  wearing  temperance  badges  met 
him  at  the  depot.  In  one  place  the  liquor  dealers 
sent  word  to  him  that  they  would  give  him  twice  the 
money  the  temperance  people  could  afford  to,  if  he 
would  stop  lecturing  and  go  home. 

At  Dover,  Mr.  Dutcher  made  a  most  eloquent 
address ;  lie  had  been  suffering  from  overwork,  and 
after  reaching  the  home  of  Rev.  C.  Huntington, 
where  he  had  been  invited  to  sojourn  during  his  stay 
in  Dover,  he  was  prostrated  from  nervous  weakness. 
For  a  short  time  the  symptoms  were  serious,  but  he 
soon  recovered  from  them  and  returned  home  to 
recruit  his  strength. 

Soon  afterward  Mr.  Dutcher  received  a  telegraph 
from  his  father  saying  that  his  mother  was  at  the 
point  of  death,  and  by  the  next  train  northward  he 
was  hastening  to  Valatie,  BT.  Y.,  three  hundred  miles 
distant.  Bravely  did  he  bear  up  under  his  grief  and 
weakness,  and  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  being  with 
her  in  her  last  hours.  She  died  rejoicing  in  her  Sav- 
iour. For  years  she  had  been  a  patient  sufferer,  and 
her  son  was  never  happier  than  when  visiting  her 
and  contributing  to  her  comfort.  No  man  ever  loved 
his  mother  more,  and  no  mother  ever  more  deserved 
that  love. 

Through  the  long  years  of  his  childhood,  made  des- 
olate by  his  father's  dreadful  appetite  for  rum,  he  had 


348  RETROSPECTIVE. 

never  heard  words  of  complaint  or  reproach  on  ac- 
count of  her  own  sufferings  ;  and  when  such  words 
were  drawn  out  at  the  sight  of  her  children's  haggard 
and  wistful  faces,  they  were  spoken  in  mild  tones,  or 
expressed  in  earnest  prayers  that  God  would  send 
bread  for  her  little  ones  and  cause  their  father  to  see 
the  error  of  his  way. 

And  when  George,  her  George,  himself  took  the 
same  downward  road  when  but  a  youth,  and  came 
staggering  home  with  the  insanity  of  drink  in  his 
usually  loving  and  respectful  countenance,  although 
it  must  have  caused  her  brain  to  reel  with  an  awful, 
terrible  fear  for  his  future,  yet  no  bitter  words  fell 
from  her  lips  and  nought  but  kindness  and  true  moth- 
erly love  did  he  find  in  the  humble  home. 

And  though  in  after  years  he  would  leave  her,  and 
she  would  not  know  at  times  for  months  or  for  years 
the  whereabouts  of  her  darling  for  whose  sake  she 
was  suffering  as  only  loving  mothers  can  suffer,  yet 
when  he  did  come,  delirious  with  drink,  she  would 
nurse  him,  and  pray  over  him,  and  when  he  was  again 
himself  she  would  say  with  tearful  eyes  and  bitter 
sadness  which  would  have  melted  any  heart  not 
steeped  in  rum : — 

"  Oh  George !  why  will  you  drink  ?  " 

Her  kindness  and  loving  words  had  their  effect  at 
last,  and  her  prayers  were  answered.  George  became 
a  temperate  man,  and  her  declining  years  were  made 
gloriously  happy. 

If  any  persons  who  read  these  lines  are  so  unfortu- 
nate as  to  have  intemperate  sons  or  husbands,  or  wives 


PR  OHIBITOR  Y  LA  WS.  349 

or  daughters,  I  urge  them  to  refrain  from  harsh  words 
which  only  tend,  when  coming  from  those  who  are 
near  and  dear  to  the  erring  ones,  to  drive  them  to 
deeper  drinking  that  they  may  drown  the  bitter  feel- 
ings produced  by  ill-treatment  and  cruel  words. 
There  is  a  great  curse  resting  upon  them  in  their  ap- 
petites for  liquor,  and  they  have  enough  to  suffer  in 
consequence,  especially  if  of  nervous  temperaments 
and  good  powers  of  mind.  I  hope  these  words  will 
be  well  considered  by  those  who  are  cultivating  surly 
tempers  towards  their  unfortunate  relatives  and 
friends. 

Like  most  other  reformed  men,  Mr.  Dutcher  is  a 
strong  advocate  of  prohibitory  laws  and  in  his  talks 
and  arguments  he  endeavors  to  make  his  audiences 
realize  that  to  save  themselves,  their  friends  and  their 
children  from  the  curse  of  intemperance,  the  manu- 
facture, importation  and  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks 
of  all  kinds  must  be  stopped.  He  impresses  it 
upon  them  that  the  saving  of  intemperate  persons 
should  not  be  the  only  aim  of  temperance  peo- 
ple, but  that  the  removal  of  the  causes  of  intemper- 
ance are  equally  necessary;  that  the  safety  of  the 
next  generation  should  be  provided  for;  and  that 
while  by  extra  exertions  many  drunkards  may  be  res- 
cued, yet  with  laws  permitting  and  legalizing  the 
manufacture  and  sale  of  liquors,  ten  times  as  many  as 
are  saved  are  in  danger  of  becoming  inebriates.  "  And 
how,'7  he  asks,  "  can  reformed  men  be  expected  in  all 
cases  to  keep  from  falling,  when,  especially  in  city 
life,  they  cannot  walk  the  streets  without  being  tempt- 


350  N0  COMPROMISE  WITH  RUM. 

ed  and  allured  to  resume  their  old  habits  and  associa- 
tions." 

For  the  rumseller  who  persists  in  carrying  on  the 
unholy  traffic  Mr.  Dutcher  has  no  aid  and  comfort  to 
offer,  and  he  does  not  sympathize  with  those  who 
have.  He  considers  rumselling  in  this  enlightened 
age  a  great  crime,  and  believes  in  and  endorses  the 
sentiments  of  the  Hon.  Neal  Dow,  the  father  of 
the  Maine  Law  which  .is  now  supported  by  both  par- 
ties and  by  an  overwhelming  public  opinion  in  that 
state. 

In  short,  Mr.  Dutcher  makes  no  compromise  with 
intoxicating  liquors  in  any  way,  and  he  believes  the 
ban  of  society  should  be  put  upon  those  who  rent 
buildings  or  sign  licenses  for  the  manufacture  or  sale 
thereof.  He  considers  it  a  shame  that  any  govern- 
ment will  accept  a  revenue  from  a  traffic  which  ruins 
its  citizens,  body  and  soul;  "and  if,"  he  says,  "  this 
blood-bought  country  cannot  live  without  a  revenue 
wrung  from  the  groans  of  wives,  mothers  and  child- 
ren— then  let  it  die." 

Mr.  Dutcher  is  a  man  of  the  people,  laboring  for 
all,  and  making  no  distinction  on  account  of  nation- 
ality, color,  or  social  standing,  in  his  efforts  to  do 
good.  Open-handed  charity,  modesty,  and  a  "  put 
yourself  in  his  place  "  feeling  characterizes  his  inter- 
course with  his  fellow-men.  He  visits  prisons  and 
almshouses  and  addresses  their  inmates  as  opportun- 
ity offers,  and  works  equally  well  with  all  temperance 
organizations  and  Christian  denominations.  Often 
has  he  incommoded  himself  and  deprived  his  family 


"  TRUST  IN  THE  LORD."  351 

of  needed  supplies  by  assisting  some  poor  creature 
who  was  trying  to  reform  ;  and  not  infrequently  has 
he  been  disappointed  and  grieved  by  the  actions  of 
men  on  whom  he  had  expended  much  money  and  time. 

Mr.  Dutchercan  say  with  truth  and  self-gratulation, 
that  he  has  never  turned  away  from  the  pleadings  of 
a  mother,  wife,  sister,  or  daughter  who  asked  his  ser- 
vices in  trying  to  redeem  their  dear  ones,  however 
much  it  might  cost  him  of  money  or  trouble.  In  such 
cases  he  has  always  relied  on  the  promise  of  God's 
"Word  :  "  Trust  in  the  Lord  and  do  good  ;  so  shalt  thou 
dwell  in  the  land,  and  verily  thou  shalt  be  fed." 

Just  as  I  am  finishing  my  task  Mr.  Dutcher  has 
returned  home  from  a  month's  hard  labor  in  New 
Jersey.  He  has  lately  received  an  invitation  to  meet 
the  leading  temperance  men  of  Philadelphia  with  a 
view  to  an  arrangement  for  his  services  in  that  city  ; 
he  has  also  pressing  invitations  to  visit  New  Found- 
land,  Nova  Scotia,  Texas,  and  other  sections. 


TJH17E1.  .IT  7 


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